Bhubaneswar: In a significant move at strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure, the Odisha cabinet has approved the project for construction of stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state with an outlay of Rs 4,124 crore. Each stadium will be developed on approximately 8 to 10 acres of land.
This move is expected to significantly boost sports culture and nurture young talents from rural areas, said Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Kalinga Stadium Tennis Center Auditorium, the Minister provided a detailed overview of the Master Plan for the block-level stadium project.
According to the proposed master plan, the stadiums will include dedicated facilities for various sports such as football, cricket, athletics, volleyball and indigenous games like kho-kho and kabaddi. Additionally, indoor sports halls will be equipped for badminton, table tennis, gymnastics and weightlifting.
The initiative also aims to host various sports competitions at these stadiums, enabling talent scouting and selection from the grassroots level. Minister Suraj emphasized that the government is committed to the overall development of sports and athletes, ensuring that young talents have the necessary infrastructure to build their careers in sports.
“Our goal is to take world-class sports infrastructure to every block in Odisha, so that talent from every block and village gets the opportunity to shine,” said Minister Suraj.
