In a significant development for sports, R. Vineel Krishna, IAS, the former Sports Secretary and Director of Odisha, has been appointed as the Joint Secretary in the Department of Sports, Government of India, for a tenure of five years.
Known for his transformative contributions to Odisha’s sports ecosystem, Krishna’s appointment is expected to bolster India’s ambitions to become a global sports powerhouse.
Krishna’s tenure in Odisha marked a golden era for sports in the state, positioning it as a prominent hub for international sporting events and grassroots development. Under his leadership, Odisha hosted the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cups in 2018 and 2023, earning the distinction of being the first state to host back-to-back Hockey World Cups. The 2023 edition, held at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, was a landmark event, with 249 goals scored across 44 matches, averaging 5.66 goals per match, as per FIH records. Krishna also played a pivotal role in bringing the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 to Odisha, a historic moment as it was India’s first time hosting a FIFA women’s tournament.
Beyond hosting global events, Krishna spearheaded infrastructure development in Odisha that set a benchmark for the country. He oversaw the establishment of 89 multi-purpose indoor stadiums, designed not only for sports but also to serve community needs during disasters, showcasing a model of sustainable development. Additionally, his vision led to the creation of High-Performance Centers (HPCs) across diverse disciplines, including hockey, football, weightlifting, swimming, shooting, badminton, athletics, and sports science. These centers have nurtured talent and elevated India’s performance on the global stage.
As Joint Secretary, Krishna is expected to bring his strategic vision to the national level, focusing on talent development, infrastructure growth, and international collaboration. With India eyeing a stronger presence in global sports, his experience in hosting events like the Hockey World Cups and FIFA tournaments will be crucial.
Odisha’s sports legacy, built under Krishna’s leadership, continues to inspire. The state’s HPCs have produced athletes who are now competing internationally, and the multi-purpose stadiums have become a model for other states.
As Krishna steps into his new role, the nation watches with anticipation, hopeful that his tenure will usher in a new era of excellence for Indian sports.
