Odisha to Build Global Sports Ecosystem with Focus on Grassroots Talent: CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is stepping up its efforts to create a strong sports ecosystem by combining grassroots talent identification, modern infrastructure and quality training, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Saturday, calling for a collective push to make the State the “sports capital of the world”.

Majhi made the remarks while addressing the State-level National Sports Day celebrations at the Convention Centre in Lok Seva Bhawan. He paid tribute to hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand and urged the younger generation to draw inspiration from his dedication and contribution to the country.

Building on the national theme ‘Khelega Bharat, Jitega Bharat’, the Chief Minister said Odisha should adopt the sporting spirit of ‘Kheliba Odisha, Jitiba Odisha’ and set its own benchmark in the field.

He said the State’s ‘From Field to Podium’ approach is aimed at creating opportunities for children and young athletes at the grassroots while providing them with the infrastructure and training required to progress to higher levels.

Under the infrastructure expansion programme, ultramodern stadiums are being constructed in 314 blocks at a cost of Rs 4,124 crore. The government is also developing a world-class sports complex at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar and establishing the Baji Rout Regional Sports Hub in Dhenkanal along with five other regional hubs.

The Chief Minister said the CM Trophy is being used to scout sporting talent from rural areas and provide promising athletes with greater exposure. Sports equipment is also being distributed among youths in 485 villages across 10 Maoist-affected districts.

Majhi said sports can play a wider role in society by promoting discipline, confidence and opportunities for young people, apart from creating competitive athletes.

Odisha set to host global athletics events

The Chief Minister also highlighted Odisha’s selection as the host for the 2028 Asian and World Athletics Indoor Championships, describing it as a major milestone for the State and the country.

The championships will be held in India for the first time, further strengthening Odisha’s profile as a venue for major international sporting events.

Athletes, coaches and sports organisations honoured

The celebrations also recognised achievements across different sporting fields.

The Biju Patnaik Adventure Award was presented to Soumyaranjan Behera of Nayagarh, while posthumous awards were given to late Nilamadhab Panda and Sunil Kumar Ray of Jajpur.

Pranati Mishra received the Biju Patnaik Sports Award for her lifelong contribution to sports promotion and support for sportspersons. Shakti Prasad Nanda was honoured for excellence in sports journalism.

Loma Swain was recognised for outstanding sporting performance, while Gopal Krushna Dash received the Best Coach award. Suchitra Parida was named Best Para Athlete, while Prateek Maharana and Payal Nag received the Best Emerging Sportsperson awards.

Prabodh Kumar Mohanty was honoured as the Best Technical Official. Samaleswari Sporting Club of Sambalpur received the Best Sports Promotion Organisation award, which was received by its president and Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra.

Call to make sports part of daily life

Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj urged children and young people to make sports a regular part of their lives and reduce excessive screen time. He said discipline and dedication, along with sporting ability, are essential for achieving excellence.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the achievements of Balangir para archer Payal Nag, who has won a gold medal despite not having hands, and said her journey demonstrated the power of determination.

She also emphasised the importance of physical fitness in building a healthier and more prosperous Odisha. The government’s Fit Odisha Mission, she said, will promote fitness and physical activity from the gram panchayat to the municipal level.