Bhubaneswar/Keonjhar: Keonjhar, a tribal-majority district known for its rich mineral resources, is now nurturing a new generation of athletes, thanks to the establishment of multipurpose indoor stadiums across its villages and urban local bodies (ULBs). These modern sports facilities are helping local talents hone their skills and aim for success in national and international competitions.
With financial backing from the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation (OMBADC), the Sports & Youth Services Department of the Odisha Government has constructed state-of-the-art indoor stadiums in Anandapur, Badbil, Champua, and Joda, significantly enhancing the district’s sports infrastructure.
“Earlier, when I started playing badminton, our locality lacked a proper space. Thanks to OMBADC, we now have an indoor stadium with a dedicated badminton court. I use this facility daily, not only to improve my own skills but also to train aspiring athletes preparing for national competitions,” said Anul Hasan, a national-level badminton player from Joda, who has now taken on the role of trainer at the local stadium. Hasan, who has represented Odisha in the North Zone competition, is now grooming the next generation of athletes.
The new indoor stadiums, equipped with facilities for badminton, table tennis, and weightlifting, offer young athletes the opportunity to train with advanced equipment, preparing them for the national and international stage. The badminton courts feature high-quality turf and cutting-edge sports gear, allowing for top-tier training.
In addition to athletic facilities, the stadiums also house modern gyms and yoga centers to promote physical fitness among local youth. “Previously, I wanted to stay fit by going to the gym, but we didn’t have any such facility in our area. Now, the indoor stadium has a fully equipped gym, and I work out here every day,” said Sunita Mahanta, a resident of Champua.
The indoor stadiums operate six days a week, both morning and evening, providing local athletes with a structured environment to practice their sports. The facilities also include changing rooms, clean drinking water, and sanitized washrooms, ensuring convenience for the athletes.
Jitendra Mahakud, District Sports Officer of Keonjhar, highlighted the positive impact of the new stadiums: “The indoor stadiums have boosted confidence among local youth and athletes who aspire to become successful sportspersons. Various trainers have been appointed, and now the district’s young athletes can practice a range of sports and perform well at the national and international level.”
These indoor stadiums also serve as multipurpose facilities. In times of natural disasters, pandemics, or emergencies, they can be repurposed as shelters, underscoring the versatility of the infrastructure.