Odisha CM Inaugurates 48 Indoor Stadiums, 12 Hockey Training Centres in ₹660 Cr Sports Push

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated a series of sports infrastructure projects totalling Rs 660 crore today, aimed at bolstering sports development across the state. These projects, initiated under the 5T initiative, encompass 48 multipurpose indoor stadiums, including the Cuttack Table Tennis Academy, Rourkela Gymnastics Academy, and 12 hockey training centres.

The multipurpose indoor stadiums are designed to cater to various sports activities such as badminton, table tennis, yoga, chess, and weightlifting, promoting a healthy lifestyle among citizens. Notably, the Cuttack Table Tennis Academy boasts 16 premium-quality tables, a fully-equipped gymnasium, and facilities for chess, yoga, and zumba. Similarly, the Rourkela Gymnastics Academy features international standard equipment alongside provisions for other sports disciplines.

In a bid to foster grassroots talent and provide access to professional coaching, the Chief Minister emphasized the importance of establishing hockey training centres with synthetic turfs in rural and tribal areas. With these additions, Odisha now hosts 23 such centres across various districts.

Additionally, foundation stones were laid for 11 upcoming sports infrastructure projects, including multipurpose indoor stadiums, an indoor swimming pool, football training centres, and hockey training centres, to further augment the sports ecosystem in the state.

Expressing his commitment to providing top-notch sports facilities, the Chief Minister expressed hope that these initiatives would propel sports development in Odisha and inspire young athletes to excel at national and international levels.