CII agreement with SEDA, Centurion Univ to strengthen sports infra in Odisha

Reported by Sandeep Pattnaik
Bhubaneswar, April 24:

CII Odisha has signed an agreement with the Centurion University and Sports Education Development Australia (SEDA), in a bid to strengthen sports infrastructure in the state.

The thrust was on creating world-class facilities for underprivileged children and make them employable.

Incidentally, the initiative was taken in line with CII’s theme for 2014-2015 – Accelerating Growth, Creating Employment.

“The agreement was a great example of how Australian expertise in training and management can play a big role in India’s fast growing sports market,” said Ms Nicola Watkinson, Australia’s Senor Trade & Investment Commissioner for South Asia, during a seminar – “Sports Industry and the Need for Skills Development” — organised by CII Odisha on Thursday here.

India, a country of 1.2 billion people, is experiencing exponential growth in sport, she said. “There is an increasing need for professionals in fitness training, gym management, sports event management etc,” she added.

Notably, according to a CII-KPMG study – ‘Business of Sports’ – the Sports sector is seen to have a significant socio-economic impact worldwide contributing to 1-5 per cent of national GDP. In India, the report said, sports industry is the key to sports development.

Mr J B Pany, CII Past Chairman, CII Odisha State Council, and MD Radiant Telesystems told about the CII’s role in promoting sports in India. He also highlighted the opportunities for Indian corporates in the sports sector.

“CII as an industry body would like to act as a catalyst in building sports infrastructure in Odisha by providing advisory services,” Mr Pany said.

Mr Brad Green, Founder and Chairman, SEDA, Mr O N Mohanty, Panel Convener, CII Training and Skill Panel and Prof Mukti Mishra, President, Centurion University, were also present.