Bhubaneswar: Strengthening Odisha’s sports infrastructure, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool was inaugurated on Tuesday at the Government College of Physical Education (GCPE) campus in Tamando, Bhubaneswar. The facility was formally dedicated to the public by Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who attended the programme as the chief guest.
Constructed by the Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) at an estimated cost of ₹11.69 crore, the new swimming pool is expected to play a key role in nurturing competitive swimmers and enhancing professional training facilities for young athletes in the state.
Speaking on the occasion, Suraj said swimming holds immense potential for winning medals at national and international competitions. Emphasising the state government’s focus on sports development, he informed that steps have been taken to establish similar swimming facilities in 13 more districts of Odisha to widen access and identify talent at the grassroots level.
The Minister also reviewed the progress of other major sports infrastructure projects at the GCPE campus, including the football ground and synthetic athletic track, which are currently under construction by the Odisha State Police Housing & Welfare Corporation (OPHWC).
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Additional Secretary Bijay Swain, ADM Khordha Pratap Behura, Deputy Secretary Dr Swarupa Nanda Sahoo, District Sports Officer (Khordha) Gitanjali Panda, GCPE Principal Suresh Mohapatra, faculty members of the college and officials of OBCC.
Concluding the programme, the Minister congratulated the students and young sportspersons and urged them to aim for excellence at national and international platforms, bringing laurels to Odisha through dedication and disciplined training.
