CM Patnaik Launches Ambitious Rs. 660 Crore Sports Infrastructure Projects in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled a transformative initiative by launching sports infrastructure projects valued at Rs. 660 crore, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering sports at both grassroots and elite levels. The comprehensive plan includes the establishment of 48 multipurpose indoor stadiums, the inauguration of the Cuttack Table Tennis Academy, the Rourkela Gymnastics Academy, and the introduction of 12 hockey training centres.

The projects, initiated under the 5T (Teamwork, Transparency, Technology, Time Leading to Transformation) initiative, aim to revolutionize the sports sector in Odisha and empower budding talents in diverse disciplines. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik laid the foundation stone for an additional 11 sports projects, reinforcing the state’s dedication to providing world-class facilities for sports enthusiasts.

As part of the grassroots sports development strategy, 48 multipurpose indoor stadiums have been strategically distributed across Odisha. These state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with courts and amenities for sports such as badminton, table tennis, yoga, chess, weightlifting, and gym activities. An upgraded multipurpose indoor hall in Bhawanipatna was also inaugurated to encourage sports at the district level.

Recognizing the potential of young paddlers in the state, the Cuttack Table Tennis Academy was introduced with 16 premium-quality TT tables, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and dedicated rooms for weightlifting, chess, yoga, and zumba. The academy is poised to play a pivotal role in promoting table tennis in Odisha, complementing the existing infrastructure.

The Rourkela Gymnastics Academy, a valuable addition to the gymnastics ecosystem, boasts international-standard equipment and facilities for weightlifting, table tennis, yoga, and gym activities. It stands as a testament to Odisha’s commitment to nurturing talent across various sporting disciplines.

In a bid to strengthen the hockey ecosystem and provide early exposure to competitive sports in rural and tribal areas, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 12 hockey training centres with synthetic turfs. These centres will offer professional coaching under the guidance of expert coaches, contributing to the overall development of hockey in the state. With the addition of these centres, Odisha now hosts a total of 23 Hockey Training Centres.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik also laid the foundation stone for 11 sports infrastructure projects, including multipurpose indoor stadiums in Remuna, Baliguda, Titlagarh, and Karanjia; an indoor swimming pool in Bhadrak; a Football Training Centre; indoor swimming pools and basketball courts in Cuttack; a Women’s Football Training Centre in Aul, Kendrapada; and a Hockey Training Centre in Deogarh, among others.

Expressing his vision, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stated, “We want to provide the best sports facilities for our young sports persons so that they can realize their potential and bring laurels to Odisha and India. I hope that the facilities launched today will provide a big momentum to the sports development in the state.”

Chairman of 5T & Nabin Odisha, Kartik Pandian, interacted with sports personalities present at the event, assuring them of full support for their sporting endeavors. The event witnessed the presence of various dignitaries, including Minister for Science and Technology, SSEPD, PE Sh Ashok Panda; Minister for Sports and Youth Services, EIT Sh Tushrakanti Behera; Mayor, BMC, Smt Sulochana Das; Development Commissioner, Anu Garg; Sports and Youth Services Secretary, Vineel Krishna, alongside officials and sportspersons.

The program, attended virtually by a large number of coaches, players, citizens, and public representatives at around 60 locations, showcased the widespread enthusiasm and support for the transformative sports initiatives in Odisha.