Odisha Sports Department Conducts Workshop to Shape Comprehensive Sports Policy

Bhubaneswar: The Sports & Youth Services Department (DSYS) of Odisha held a significant workshop today at the Kalinga Stadium to refine the draft Odisha Sports Policy. The event brought together key stakeholders, including State Sports Associations, the Odisha Sports Journalists Association, and prominent sportspersons, to gather insights aimed at elevating the sports ecosystem in the state.

The workshop was led by Sports & Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who emphasized the importance of developing a robust sports policy that bridges the gap between grassroots participation and elite performance. He called on all participants to share their perspectives on the draft policy, which aims to inspire mass participation and nurture talent across Odisha.

In his address, the Minister highlighted the growing need for grassroots development and the inclusion of emerging areas such as e-sports. “Our vision is to inspire every individual in Odisha to participate in sports and physical activities. We are committed to building a vibrant sports culture that supports the growth of athletes from grassroots to global champions,” he said.

The draft policy outlines provisions for specially-abled children, adventure sports, and the promotion of indigenous games. Additionally, the Minister stressed the need to invest in sports infrastructure, talent development, and wellness programs from the block to the state level, ensuring every individual has the opportunity to excel in sports.

Key officials present at the workshop included Principal Secretary Bhaskar Sarma, Sports Director Siddhartha Das, and CEO of HPCO, Deepankar Mohapatra. The session began with a welcome address by Principal Secretary Sarma and concluded with a vote of thanks by Sports Director Das. Joint Secretary Sri Sailendra Jena presented an overview of the draft sports policy before inviting feedback from the audience.

Eminent sportspersons such as Olympian Anuradha Biswal, BCCI member and former MLA Lalitendu Bidyadhar Mohapatra, and members of the Odisha Olympic Association, including General Secretary Ashirbad Behera, participated in the workshop. Representatives from the sports journalism community and contributors from Odisha’s High-Performance Centers (HPC), including neuroscientist Lagnajit Dash and Martin Owens, also shared valuable feedback.

Participants praised the initiative for fostering an inclusive approach to policy formulation, recognizing the need to involve the sports fraternity in shaping a future-oriented policy.

The workshop also underscored the importance of regular sports competitions at village, block, and district levels to encourage widespread participation. The state government envisions creating a holistic sports ecosystem by integrating physical wellness programs into education, optimizing state-of-the-art facilities, and offering training for coaches and physical education teachers.

This comprehensive approach aims to ensure that Odisha not only nurtures homegrown talent but also continues to contribute to the global sports arena.