Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik inaugurates 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday formally inaugurated the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship in Bhubaneswar at the Kalinga Stadium and hoped the event would strengthen the state's ties with the participating countries.

"Hello Asia, Welcome to Odisha," Patnaik said while inaugurating the event as balloons and fireworks lit up the skyline. "Whole Asia is now with us. I recall Kalinga's (ancient name of Odisha) maritime trade relationship with Asian countries. This mega event will further strengthen our ties with Asian countries," a delighted Patnaik said and called upon all to join the event and be a part of this moment.

Describing the event as a historic moment for Odisha, Patnaik said the world would wonder over the record breaking performance from athletes here at kalinga stadium. Patnaik said that the state government could get only 90 days for making preparation of the mega event. New tracks were laid and lights fitted within a very small duration.

Odia athlete Srabani Nanda had the honour of taking the oath on behalf of athletes at the inaugural ceremony.