Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Badminton Academy is set to become operational at Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton High Performance centre at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar from April 1. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the proposal of Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation (PGBF) to establish the academy, aiming to provide high-quality badminton training to talented Odisha players.
A meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg discussed the academy’s annual operations, training, and expenses. The Odisha State Government and Dalmia Cement (India) will provide financial assistance. Garg assured full cooperation from the state government to make the academy operational by April 1.
Renowned coach Pullela Gopichand expressed hope that the academy will contribute significantly to Odisha’s badminton development. The High Performance Center, inaugurated on December 12, 2024, features a state-of-the-art facility with a single badminton court, seating, an amphitheater, and player accommodations.
The academy is a collaboration between the Government of Odisha, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, and Dalmia (India) Group.
It is worth mentioning that the High Performance Center was formally inaugurated at Kalinga Stadium on December 12, 2024. The inauguration ceremony of this center was attended by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma and renowned badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand.
The state-of-the-art facility, shaped like a large “shuttle”, has a single badminton court, seating facilities for spectators, an amphitheatre and accommodation facilities for players. It has been built in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation and Dalmia (India) Group.
