Naveen Patnaik flagged off the mascot of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship

Bhubaneswar:12/6/17: Two mini trucks carrying ‘Olly’, the mascot of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship to be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar next month, were flagged off by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today for road shows across the State during a 22-day tour.

Elaborating on arrangements for the Asian Athletics Championship from July 6 to 9 at the Stadium in which 1,000 athletes and officials from 45 countries will participate, Chief Secretary AP Padhi, present at the flag off ceremony said, “Preparations for the international sports event including setting up of floodlights and track laying work at the stadium are almost over. However, currently the biggest challenge for us is to make the city a world-class type.”

Padhi added, “Athletes are expected to reach the city in next 10 days for the championship. As a host state, the Odisha government will make all necessary arrangements such as accommodation, food, sight-seeing visits and transportation for the athletes and officials.”