Odisha sponsors National Rugby Teams until 2023

NewsBharati    14-Oct-2020 15:51:37 PM
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Bhubaneshwar, Oct 14 : Odisha state government and Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) have signed an agreement regarding the sponsorship of Indian National Rugby Teams of men and women for the next three years, till 2023. The decision was taken to enhance the performance training and conditioning of the players and prepare the sportsmen for serious international competitions.

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State Director of Sports R Vineel Krishna and IRFU President Maneck Unwala signed the agreement on behalf of the two parties. The agreement took place in the presence of the state's Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera at Kalinga Stadium. Odisha has given the Indian Rugby team some famous players and has been connected to the game since a considerable period.
 
Sports Minister Behera said, "This is a significant partnership for us. In recent years, we have seen a steady rise of rugby in terms of popularity and participation, particularly the participation of young players due to the commendable efforts of Rugby India. And this partnership between the Odisha government and Rugby India will not only help develop the sport of rugby further in Odisha and India, but also support and strengthen the high-performance training of Indian National Rugby teams."
IRFU President Maneck Unwala said, “We thank the government of Odisha for their continued support. On behalf of Rugby India, I am pleased to welcome them as associate sponsors of the Indian national rugby teams. I am confident that the shared core values and vision of Odisha and Rugby India will ensure that this partnership thrives and is beneficial for our rugby athletes.”
 
Odisha government has been remarkably supportive sports even before this, when the state government sponsored The Indian national Hockey team for a period of five years and later supporting their home team Odisha FC in the ISL. The state has now took responsibility for yet another sport which has increasing popularity and participation from Odisha. Rugby is currently gaining popularity in the nation as well and good days are expected soon for the sport in terms of credibility and support on national level.