Bhubaneswar: The Bharat Gopichand Odisha Badminton High-Performance Centre, a state-of-the-art facility designed to elevate the standards of badminton in India, was inaugurated today at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Spread across 77,000 square feet, the centre boasts eight air-conditioned badminton courts, seating for 400 spectators, and cutting-edge amenities to accommodate 36 players.
Inspired by the design of a badminton shuttlecock, the facility also includes an amphitheater with a capacity of 200 seats and is equipped to host both national and international tournaments.
Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi thanked the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation and the Dalmia Bharat Group for their significant contributions in establishing the centre. “This collaboration has created a transformative opportunity for young badminton players in Odisha to excel on national and international platforms,” he said.
Assam Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, also the President of the Badminton Association of India, lauded the initiative, calling it a milestone for Indian and global sports. He highlighted the centre’s potential to further propel India’s badminton players onto the world stage.
Renowned badminton player and coach Pullela Gopichand praised Odisha’s progressive approach toward sports development, expressing confidence that the centre would nurture a new generation of talented players.
The inauguration ceremony also saw participation from Odisha’s Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who delivered the welcome address, and Dalmia Bharat Group CEO P.Y. Dalmia, who provided insights into the company’s role in promoting sports in the state.
Principal Secretary of Sports and Youth Affairs Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma delivered the vote of thanks, and other dignitaries, including Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan, Ekamra MLA Babu Singh, and Odisha State Badminton Association President Rajesh Prabhakar Patil, were in attendance.