Bhubaneswar, Jul 19 (IANS): A new sports policy will be introduced in Odisha soon, said state Sports Minister Tusharkanti Behera on Friday.

"A new sports policy would be introduced soon in the state. It's in the draft stage and formulated in line with the national sports policy," Behera told the state Assembly.

The minister was replying to a question of Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Bhupinder Singh in the House.

The Minister said though there is no sports policy in the state at present, the objective of the Sports and Youth Affairs department is being materialised through various schemes, guidelines and notifications from time to time.

He said the government has recognised 40 sports disciplines in the state.

The Minister said there is a policy to release special grants to different sports associations for organization of national and international championships in Odisha under the agies of the concerned recognized national federation.

Replying to another question of BJP MLA Kusum Tete, the Minister said the sportspersons, who have played at international sports events and won medals at open national games, have been provided jobs in various sectors.

While athlete Srabani Nanda was given job in Odisha Hydro Power Corporation (OHPC), sprint queen Dutee Chand got a job in Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC). Total 96 sportspersons have been given jobs in Odisha police, said Behera.