Odisha CM Naveen Unveils Sports Infra Projects Costing Rs. 120 Crores In Sambalpur
Samabalpur: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated sports infra projects valued at over Rs. 120 crores in Sambalpur through a video conference today, marking a significant step towards enhancing sports development in the region. The projects unveiled include the Burla indoor stadium, the foundation stone laid for the Sambalpur Football Academy, and the Sambalpur University sports complex, featuring a Hockey Stadium.
In line with the Chief Minister’s vision of ‘Sports for youth, youth for future,’ these initiatives fall under the 5T framework, aiming to benefit the people, particularly the youth of Sambalpur. Chief Minister Patnaik commended the existing sports culture in Sambalpur and expressed optimism that these facilities would contribute to further strengthening sports development in the district. He emphasized the popularity of football in the region, leading to the establishment of the Sambalpur Football Academy, dedicated to providing top-quality coaching and competition opportunities for local football talent.
The Burla Indoor Stadium, constructed at a cost of Rs. 32 crores, includes four badminton courts, seating for over 400 spectators, central AC facilities, changing rooms, a first aid room, a gym, and multipurpose halls for indoor games like carom, chess, and fencing. The stadium boasts wooden synthetic flooring, a BWF recommended sports lighting system, and is funded by MCL and the Government of India.
The upcoming Sambalpur University Sports Complex, a Rs. 70 crore project, will house a hockey stadium with a Category 1 FIH certified synthetic hockey turf, FIH recommended sports lighting, and a gallery accommodating around 3000 spectators. Additionally, it will feature a 1000-seater multipurpose indoor stadium, meeting BWF standards, equipped for various indoor sports and fitness activities, suitable for hosting regional-level competitions.
The Sambalpur Football Academy, with an investment of Rs. 17 crores, will include a FIFA-sized natural turf with floodlight system, a facility building with a 1000-seater gallery, changing rooms, a first aid room, a multipurpose hall, and spectator facilities, along with a Kabaddi court.The programme was coordinated by 5T and Nabin Odisha Chairman VK Pandian. Sports and Youth Services Minister Tusharkanti Behera and Rairakhol MLA Sri Rohit Pujari,
Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Secretary Sports and Youth Services R Vineel Krishna, Collector Sambalpur Ananya Das and officials from MCL, district administration and players were present on this occasion.
