Bhubaneswar: In yet another incident of the Centre’s discrimination against the state, the Union Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said the Centre will not allocate fund for Odisha to host the Men’s Hockey World Cup in November.
While replying to a question from BJD MP Jhina Hikaka, Rathore said there will be no central fund for the international men’s hockey event in Bhubaneswar.
Sports and Youth Services Minister Chandra Sarathi Behera criticised the Centre for its stand.
“Hosting an international sports event is a matter of pride for the entire nation. The Centre can provide financial aid to the state through the Indian Olympic Association,” he said.
He termed the Centre’s refusal to extend financial support for the Men’s Hockey World Cup as unfortunate.
Notably, the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar will host the Odisha Men’s Hockey World Cup from November 28 to December 16.