Bhubaneswar: In a first, an academy for sprinters— Sports Science India Academy of Sprinters (SSIA)—was launched in the city on Saturday. Founded by arthroscopic surgeon and sports science expert Dr Sarthak Patnaik and entrepreneur Soumya Patnaik, the academy is a one-stop solution for all needs of athletes at the grassroot-level. It has been launched with a vision to identify the latent talents in the state and galvanize them into action. The academy was formally inaugurated at an event held on its premises in Surya Nagar area.

Meanwhile, as many as 18 winners of the ‘SSI Sprint Challenge’ were felicitated at the event. More than 200 children from various slums and schools in Bhubaneswar had participated in the first-of-its-kind Sprint Challenge –hosted by the Sports Science India (SSI) Academy of Sprinters—to give a shoutout to the Indian contingent for Asian Games, scheduled to be held at Hangzhou in China.

The ‘challenge’ was conducted for various categories (U-10, U-11 & U-12) from August 12 to 15. At the end of the event, the children shared their messages for the Indian squad on a huge white board at the venue.
Speaking about the academy, Dr Patnaik said,“We are determined to popularise and promote sprint across the country. Our academy will impart holistic training to the sportspersons and coaches, conduct tournaments, and offer sports science-related facilities and solutions to players and athletes. The academy has two units operating from India. Adhering to its patent and standardized athletic coaching methodology, the academy now aims to expand its network in India and abroad and set up a network for athletes and sports enthusiasts.”

SSIAS is the flagship project of Bhubaneswar-based Sports Science India, a centre for sports excellence.
“I wish to make Odisha, the most vibrant and sought-after destination for sports in the country. And, that isn’t about revamping infrastructure alone. In order to make Odisha a popular destination in the sporting world, we need to have our talent pool ready,” Dr Patnaik added