Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure in Odisha, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj inaugurated 30 Khelo India Centres across all 30 districts of the state.
The centres have been set up jointly by the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Kalinga Stadium, where the Minister highlighted the state’s continued commitment to building robust sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
“These centres are designed to provide access to quality sports training and infrastructure in disciplines such as football, volleyball, hockey, athletics, kho-kho, kabaddi, and more,” said Minister Suraj. “By ensuring that talent from every district has the platform to grow, we are taking a significant step toward creating a vibrant sporting culture across the state.”
Each Khelo India Centre will receive an annual grant of Rs 5 lakh to support operations, training, and coaching. Former national and state-level athletes will be engaged as coaches, helping to provide professional guidance to young sportspersons.
The Minister also noted that the centres will emphasize promotion of local sports, encouraging youth to take pride in indigenous games.
Principal Secretary of Sports and Youth Services, Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma, elaborated on the implementation framework and objectives of the centres during the event. District-level sports officials, athletes, and coaches joined the proceedings virtually, expressing appreciation for the initiative.
In his concluding remarks, Minister Suraj urged the young athletes to make the most of this opportunity and contribute to Odisha’s growing reputation as a hub for sporting excellence.
