Bhubaneswar, Feb 8 (UNI) The Odisha Cabinet has approved an outlay of Rs.4,124 crore over a period of five years for the construction of block-level stadiums across the state in a phased manner. The initiative aims to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure and foster a robust sports ecosystem.
Chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Cabinet approved the project, underscoring the government's commitment to promoting health, wellness, and athletic excellence across Odisha.
Briefing the media on Saturday, the Chief Minister stated that the initiative would address critical gaps in rural sports infrastructure, particularly at the block level, where facilities remain underdeveloped. These disparities have long hindered the state's vision for rapid sports growth, he added.
Majhi emphasised the government's commitment to bridging this gap by outlining key objectives, including providing enhanced opportunities for athletes, nurturing local talent, and organising more grassroots sports competitions. The project will focus on core sports disciplines in which Odisha demonstrates significant potential.
Beyond fostering competitive sports, these facilities will encourage rural youth to participate in physical activities, contributing to their overall development and long-term mental and physical well-being.
The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s emergence as a rising sports hub in India, reaffirming the state's dedication to cultivating a vibrant sports culture. "The construction of block-level stadiums marks a significant step toward achieving this vision," he stated.
By establishing state-of-the-art facilities at the grassroots level, the project will serve as a pipeline for nurturing high-performance athletes while inspiring citizens to integrate sports into their daily lives.
Each block-level stadium will be developed on 8–10 acres of land and will include key components such as a football/cricket field, a clay athletic track with throw and jump areas, courts for volleyball, kho kho, and kabaddi, an indoor hall for badminton and table tennis, and a common facility centre, Majhi said.
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