Bhubaneswar, June 7: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday outlined a comprehensive roadmap for sports development, focusing on infrastructure expansion, talent identification, and hosting international sporting events.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the two-day first Chintan Shivir organised by the Sports & Youth Services Department, Majhi said sports play a crucial role in building discipline, teamwork, and resilience. He said the discussions would help shape the future of sports development in the state.
Highlighting Odisha’s growing stature in the sporting arena, the Chief Minister said the state is preparing to host the World Athletics Championships and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028. He also announced plans for a Rs 1,000-crore multi-purpose sports complex at Gothapatna and over Rs 4,000 crore investment in block-level stadiums across Odisha.
Majhi said initiatives such as the Chief Minister’s Trophy are helping identify and nurture sporting talent from rural areas. He added that sports will play a significant role in achieving the vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and a developed India by 2047.
Sports & Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj stressed the importance of the effective implementation of the ideas discussed at the event. Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey and other sports experts and officials attended the programme.
