Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday said the state government is investing more than Rs 4,000 crore to build modern multi-purpose stadiums at the block level as part of efforts to strengthen sports infrastructure and nurture young talent across Odisha.
Speaking at the inauguration of a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ organised by the Sports and Youth Services Department, Majhi said sustained investment in sports and sports infrastructure is essential for the development of young talent.
He said steps have been taken to establish a multi-purpose sports complex at Gothapatna on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar at an investment of around Rs 1,000 crore.
The chief minister said emerging talents from rural areas are being identified and provided quality training through the Chief Minister’s Trophy programme.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing profile in sports, Majhi said the state has earned recognition for successfully hosting national and international sporting events. Odisha is scheduled to host major international athletics events, including the World Athletics and Asian Indoor Athletics competitions, in 2028.
He said Odisha successfully organised the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event last year and would host the Silver-level competition this year.
Describing sports as a tool for character-building, Majhi said they teach discipline, teamwork and perseverance in addition to serving as a platform for competition and achievement.
The chief minister said the ‘Chintan Shivir’, being organised for the first time in the state, would help prepare a roadmap and framework for the future development of sports in Odisha. Sports experts, administrators and scholars participated in the deliberations.
He said the sports sector would play a major role in achieving the state’s goal of becoming a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and contributing to the vision of a developed India by 2047.
Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Suryavanshi Suraj said the deliberations at the conclave would have to be translated into action on the ground to further strengthen the sports ecosystem in the state.
Padma Shri awardee and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey, Sports and Youth Services Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Sports Director Dr Yedulla Vijay and other sports experts and administrators were present at the event.
