Keonjhar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday announced that the state government will construct stadiums in all 314 blocks across Odisha to strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level.
Speaking at Keonjhar during the 39th National Sub-Junior (Boys) Handball Championship, Majhi said that the government has earmarked over ₹4,000 crore for building stadiums of various categories — from village and block levels to district levels. Each block-level stadium will be developed on approximately 8 to 10 acres of land.
The Chief Minister emphasized that while the government will continue to support popular sports like cricket, hockey, and football, it is also actively promoting traditional and indigenous games such as Kho Kho, Kabaddi, and handball. He added that special efforts are being made to promote sports among youth in rural areas and to create opportunities for them to shine in competitive arenas.
Majhi also highlighted the state’s initiative of organizing the Chief Minister’s Trophy tournaments, aimed at identifying and nurturing budding sports talent from across Odisha.
Later in the day, the Chief Minister attended the annual function of Mandalpat Nodal High School at Bir Kishorepur and also participated in a Gayatri Yagna at Kalatirth ground in Keonjhar.
