Odisha Govt Approves Block-Level Stadium Project to Boost Grassroots Sports

Bhubaneswar: In a major push for grassroots sports development, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the construction of stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state, with a total outlay of ₹4,124 crore. Each stadium will be built on approximately 8 to 10 acres of land, significantly enhancing sports infrastructure across rural Odisha.

Announcing the project at a press conference at Kalinga Stadium Tennis Center Auditorium, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj outlined the ambitious Master Plan aimed at promoting a strong sporting culture and nurturing young talent.

The stadiums will be equipped with dedicated facilities for multiple sports, including football, cricket, athletics, volleyball, kho-kho, and kabaddi. Additionally, indoor halls will accommodate badminton, table tennis, gymnastics, and weightlifting, providing athletes with modern training facilities at the grassroots level.

The initiative is also expected to host district and state-level competitions, creating a structured pipeline for scouting and developing sports talent. Minister Suraj emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that young athletes from even the remotest villages have access to world-class infrastructure to build their careers.

“Our goal is to take world-class sports infrastructure to every block in Odisha, ensuring that talent from every village gets an opportunity to shine,” said the Minister.