Odisha govt to build stadiums across 314 blocks to boost grassroots sports

The Odisha government, on Saturday, approved a Rs 4,124 crore project to build stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state over the next five years.

This initiative will foster the growth and development of the sports ecosystem at the grassroots level in the state.

By enhancing facilities at the local level, the government seeks to create more opportunities for athletes, nurture emerging talent, and increase grassroots sports competitions.

"Recognising the urgency of closing this gap, the government has outlined several key objectives, including providing enhanced opportunities for athletes, nurturing local talent, and organising more grassroots sports competitions," the government stated in a press release.

The project will focus on sports disciplines where Odisha has demonstrated significant potential in recent years. Beyond improving sports culture, the initiative will encourage rural youth to participate in physical activities, fostering both mental and physical well-being.

Each block-level stadium will be developed on 8-10 acres of land and will include a football or cricket field, a clay athletic track with throw and jump areas, courts for volleyball, kho kho, and kabaddi, as well as an indoor hall for badminton and table tennis. Additionally, a common facility centre will be built to support various activities.