Even as the State Government’s promise to construct mini stadiums in all 314 blocks remains to be fulfilled, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today directed Sports and Youth Services Department to construct playgrounds in 6,236 gram panchayats in the State.

Naveen, who reviewed implementation of schemes by the Department to fulfil BJD’s poll promises, announced that construction of playgrounds in all the gram panchayats will be over by 2017. Each playground will cost Rs 5 lakh.

He also announced formation of Sports Authority of Odisha (SAO). However, official sources said the proposal to constitute SAO has been dropped. Naveen also directed the Department to improve the conditions of the sports hostels of the state in the line with such hostels in other parts of the country.

Besides, he asked the Department to set up centres of excellence for hockey and archery in the state. Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs Sudam Marndi, Development Commissioner U N Behera and Sports Secretary Saswat Mishra were present on the occasion.

Meanwhile, rugby in Odisha received a shot in the arm as the state government included it in the list of recognised spots discipline today. With inclusion of rugby, the number of recognised discipline increased to 40.

Recognition for rugby materialised following impressive achievements of the state teams in national and international competitions. The latest was the gold medal win by the state women`s team in the 35th National Games earlier this year.

State rugby fraternity expressed happiness over the development and thanked the government for its decision. Now rugby players of the state stand to get all the benefits, including incentive and employment, provided by the state government to other recognised sports disciplines.