Sports Infrastructure Projects Worth Rs 660 Cr Launched In Odisha
Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today launched sports infrastructure projects worth Rs. 660 crore, marking a significant investment in the sports sector. These projects include the establishment of 48 multipurpose indoor stadiums, the inauguration of the Cuttack Table Tennis Academy and the Rourkela Gymnastics Academy, as well as the launch of 12 hockey training centers. Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for 11 other sports initiatives. These endeavors fall under the 5T initiative, aimed at revolutionizing sports from the grassroots level to elite competitions.
The development of 48 multipurpose indoor stadiums across Odisha aims to promote sports at the grassroots level and foster a culture of healthy living. These stadiums will feature facilities for various sports such as badminton, table tennis, yoga, chess, weightlifting, and gymnasiums. Furthermore, an upgraded multipurpose indoor hall in Bhawanipatna has been inaugurated to enhance sporting facilities in the region.
The Cuttack Table Tennis Academy, equipped with 16 premium-quality tables, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and dedicated spaces for weightlifting, chess, yoga, and zumba, is set to play a crucial role in nurturing young talent in the state. Similarly, the Rourkela Gymnastics Academy, boasting international standard equipment and facilities for various sports, will contribute to the growth of gymnastics in Odisha.
In a bid to bolster the hockey ecosystem, Chief Minister Patnaik has initiated the establishment of 12 hockey training centers with synthetic turfs across rural and tribal areas. These centers, equipped with professional coaching under expert guidance, aim to provide young athletes with early exposure to competitive environments. With the addition of these 12 centers, the state now boasts a total of 23 hockey training centers.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 11 sports infrastructure projects, including multipurpose indoor stadiums, an indoor swimming pool, football training centers, basketball courts, and facilities for women’s football training. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to providing world-class sports facilities to empower athletes and elevate the sports landscape in Odisha and beyond.
In his address, Chief Minister Patnaik reiterated the government’s dedication to providing top-notch sports facilities to nurture the potential of young athletes and bring honor to Odisha and India. Chairman of 5T & Nabin Odisha, Kartik Pandian, interacted with athletes present, offering assurance of support for their sporting endeavors.
The event, held at the Indoor Stadium in Bhubaneswar, saw the presence of dignitaries including Minister for Science and Technology Ashok Panda, Minister for Sports and Youth Services Tushrakanti Behera, BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Sports and Youth Services Secretary Vineel Krishna, along with officials and athletes. The program witnessed virtual participation from coaches, players, citizens, and public representatives across approximately 60 locations, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm for sports development in the state.
