In a major push to strengthen grassroots sports and promote youth participation, the Odisha government has announced an ambitious ₹4,124 crore investment in sports infrastructure over the next five years. Chief Minister Mohan Majhi shared this vision while inaugurating a five-day inter-university sports competition at Dharanidhar University in Keonjhar on Wednesday.
Modern Sports Facilities in Every Block
CM Majhi revealed that the government plans to build state-of-the-art facilities for popular sports like volleyball, cricket, football, and athletics in all 314 blocks of Odisha. This initiative is not just about infrastructure but about nurturing local talent and creating a sports culture at the grassroots level.
“Every block of Odisha will have modern sports facilities. We’re spending ₹4,124 crore over five years to make this happen,” he said.
Massive Allocation in 2025 Budget
For the current financial year alone, the Sports and Youth Affairs Department has received a hefty ₹1,319 crore budget. CM Majhi assured us that this entire amount will be dedicated to building a bright future for Odisha’s young sportspeople.
“Not a single rupee will go to waste. Our goal is to discover and develop young talent from all corners of Odisha,” he stated.
Emerging Sports Hubs Across Odisha
To decentralize training and talent development, four cities are being developed as regional sports hubs:
- Keonjhar
- Sambalpur
- Berhampur
- Koraput
These hubs will serve as training grounds, competition centers, and talent incubators for aspiring athletes across the state.
Launch of CM’s Trophy – A Game-Changer for Grassroots Sports
The Chief Minister also highlighted the newly introduced CM’s Trophy, a first-of-its-kind initiative aimed at bringing sports to every doorstep in Odisha. This competition will be held in phases – from the block level to the state level – across various disciplines, including:
- Football
- Athletics
- Hockey
- Badminton
In-Depth Understanding: Why This Matters
Odisha’s move comes at a time when states across India are competing to host national and international sporting events. While states like Haryana and Maharashtra have made strides in sports promotion, Odisha’s ₹4,124 crore plan sets a new benchmark in long-term grassroots development.
The focus is not only on elite sports or medals but on creating widespread access to quality sports infrastructure. By developing every block, the government is ensuring that no rural area is left behind.
It also ties into employment generation, community building, and health awareness – areas where sports can have a significant impact.
