BHUBANESWAR 17-Jun-2015 50
Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), the Odisha-based subsidiary of Coal India Limited (CIL), is turning out as the biggest sports promoterc in the state with a plan to spend around Rs 150 crore in two years. Major segment of the plan includes development of infrastructure at many places and support to budding talents.
Among the infrastructure projects, the modern sports complex at Burla in Sambalpur is expected to be completed within a year. MCL has already paid Rs 26 crore to the state government for the construction of the international-standard complex, which features swimming pool, multi-purpose indoor hall, outdoor stadium with athletic track, football field, peripheral jogging track, 50-bed hostel each for boys and girls, accommodation/guesthouse facility for staff, foreign coaches and scientists.
Another multi-purpose stadium for which Rs 15.6 crore has already been paid to Jharsuguda district administration, is set to come up at Jharsuguda within 18 months. MCL is also gearing up to set up a hockey academy at Sundargarh. A decision on the Rs 33.5 crore worth academy project is most likely to be taken at the MCL board meeting this month.
Another proposal for renovation of Black Diamond Stadium in Talcher will be shortly placed before the MCL board for approval. The Rs 60 crore worth renovation project is supposed to be completed by 2017.
In its endeavour to provided support to promising sports talents, MCL has singed in international sprinter Amiya Kumar Mallick, chess prodigy Saina Salonika and wind-surfer Manaswini Maharana as brand ambassadors.
According to the contract, which will be effective from April 2, 2015, the trio would be able to avail best of training facilities for further improvement of their performances. According well-placed sources, MCL would spend around Rs 50 lakh every year for the purpose.
A proposal to take in budding tennis talent Mahesh Mohapatra as brand ambassador has sent to CIL for approval. Similarly, a proposal to provide employment to meritorious sportspersons in MCL has been sent to the CIL authorities and if approved recruitment will start in a big way from next year.
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PHOTO: File photo of MCL brand ambassador and Odisha sprinter Amiya Kumar Mallick
