Bhubaneswar: Odisha has set out a comprehensive roadmap for sports development with a focus on infrastructure expansion, talent identification, and hosting international events, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Sunday.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day first ‘Chintan Shivir’ organised by the Sports & Youth Services Department here, the Chief Minister said sports are not limited to medals, records, or wins and losses, but play a vital role in building discipline, teamwork, and patience to face challenges in life.
He said the deliberations at the event would help formulate a structured framework for the future development of sports in the state. The event has brought together national and international sports experts, administrators, and scholars to discuss strategies for strengthening Odisha’s sports ecosystem.
Majhi said Odisha has already emerged as a major destination for national and international sporting events, earning global recognition. He added that the state is preparing to host the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028.
He further said that while the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event was successfully organised last year, Odisha will host the Silver-level competition this year.
The Chief Minister announced that a multi-purpose sports complex will be developed at Gothapatna with an investment of around Rs 1,000 crore. He also said that a large-scale initiative is underway to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure, including the construction of modern multi-purpose stadiums at the block level with an investment exceeding Rs 4,000 crore.
Emphasising youth development, Majhi said talented sportspersons from rural areas are being identified and trained through initiatives like the ‘Chief Minister’s Trophy’. “Happy coaches, happy athletes and happy achievers,” he said.
He added that sports will play a key role in achieving the vision of Samruddha Odisha by 2036 and Viksit Bharat by 2047. Odisha, he said, is steadily positioning itself not only as a host of major sporting events but also as a producer of global-level athletes.
Sports & Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said that while discussions are being held in a controlled environment, implementation will take place in challenging field conditions. He stressed the need for effective execution of ideas to ensure real outcomes.
Padma Shri awardee and Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Sports Director Yeddula Vijay, along with sports experts, administrators, and other dignitaries, were present at the event.
Additional Secretary Bijaya Kumar Swain delivered the vote of thanks.
