News Desk, News Nation 360: Odisha debuted in the globally renowned Legends League Cricket (LLC) T-20 when the SANPRIYA Group-owned Team Konark Suryas Odisha was introduced. With this acquisition, the state further solidified its position as an expanding sports hotspot in India and achieved a noteworthy milestone. Team Konark Suryas Odisha competed in the league against clubs like India Capitals Delhi, Gujarat Giants Gujarat, Manipal Tigers Bengaluru, Urbanrisers Hyderabad, and Southern Super Stars Chennai. The league brought together cricket legends from all around the world. The Konark Sun Temple, a symbol of Odisha's rich cultural legacy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site served as the inspiration for the team's name. Sanjay Behera, Secretary of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), was present for Team Konark Suryas Odisha's official launch in Bhubaneswar to highlight the significance of the occasion for the state. He underlined that the SANPRIYA Group's creation of this T-20 franchise squad will contribute to improving Odisha's sports infrastructure and giving the state's youth more access to chances in international sports. Irfan Pathan, an Indian cricketer, captains the team, which also includes international players like Ross Taylor from New Zealand, Kevin O'Brien from Ireland, Ben Laughlin from Australia, Richard Levi from South Africa, Navin Stewart and Fidel Edwards from the West Indies, and Dilshan Munaweera from Sri Lanka. Notable players on the team include Ambati Rayudu, Yusuf Pathan, Vinay Kumar, Rajesh Bishnoi, Shahbaz Nadeem, Pravin Tambe, Diwesh Pathania, K P Appanna, and Natraj Behera (Odisha). The new team Konark Suryas Odisha in the T-20 Legends League Cricket signifies a momentous occasion for Odisha, according to Sanjay Behera, Secretary of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), who expressed hope. This program will give their kids access to top-notch athletic facilities and strengthen the state's soft power. Additionally, he emphasised the value of private sector investment in creating a sports ecosystem and supporting local talent development. The chairman of the SANPRIYA Group, Sanjeev Srivastava, revealed intentions to expand the Multi Sports Centre of Excellence in Bhubaneswar. This centre will help foster the development of sports culture in the area and act as a training ground for young athletes. This centre is a component of the wider Assotech World project, a significant infrastructure project meant to accelerate the growth of the state. He also said that they hope to give the youth of Odisha new chances through Legends League Cricket and Team Konark Suryas Odisha. Their objectives are to develop talent, offer top-notch training facilities, and support the expanding sports industry in India.
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