Odisha Govt Announces ₹1315 Crore Sports Budget, New Stadium in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has allocated Rs 1,315 crore for sports and youth development in the 2024-25 annual sports budget, marking an increase of Rs 98 crore from the previous year’s Rs 1,217 crore. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made the announcement in the Assembly on Wednesday.

Out of the total allocation, Rs 1,210 crore has been set aside for programme budgets, while Rs 105 crore will be used for establishment, operations and maintenance (EOM).

Key Highlights of the Sports Budget:

• World-class infrastructure: Rs 952 crore has been earmarked for a new stadium in Bhubaneswar, the establishment of sports academies in four zones, district-level sports academies, and the development of mini stadia and grassroots sports initiatives.
• Youth development: Rs 100 crore will be allocated for the Yuva Shakti Yojana, focusing on youth empowerment and integrated development.
• Talent scouting: The state will launch the Khela Ratna Khoja Abhiyaan to identify and nurture young sporting talent at the grassroots level.
• Support for athletes: Rs 65 crore has been set aside for assistance to outstanding athletes and the organisation of various sporting competitions.

Chief Minister Majhi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and athlete development. “Sports is not just a means of physical fitness but a tool for the holistic development of youth and the pride of our state,” he said, adding that Odisha aims to become a hub of sporting excellence through initiatives like Khela Ratna Khoja Abhiyaan and Yuva Shakti.