RSP’s cold response to OPL raises eyebrows

A report from Daily Pioneer

http://dailypioneer.com/337322/RSP%E2%80%99s-cold-response-to-OPL-raises-eyebrows.html

Even though the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA) has decided to introduce Odisha Premier League (OPL), a State version of the Indian Premier league (IPL), from this year, its chosen venue of the Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP)-owned stadium has been reportedly turned down by the RSP authorities here.

Such an act of the public sector unit has not only disheartened the spirit of the sportsmen and sports lovers here, but has also raised many an eyebrow over its allegedly pseudo-commitment towards sports.

While the RSP reportedly thanks OCA secretary Ashirbad Behera for his magnanimity for keeping Rourkela as a franchisee team, but has asked searching for other venue.

Despite concerted efforts, RSP AGM (Sports) D Mishra could not be contacted over his official mobile 8895501336 as all calls had no reply.

However, sources confided that the RSP turned down to spare the ground on the plea of summer camp while antecedent reveals that in the past, RSP has spared the ground for mega event like the women football tournament deferring its summer camp schedule.

It may further be mentioned here that as RSP could not send its team for the Sahani Cup Inter-District Football Tournament, Rourkela and its peripheral players were deprived of getting selected for the State Santosh Trophy team.

It is further learnt from reliable sources that the State Olympic Association is mulling to de-affiliate the RSP for its allegedly anti-sports mindset.