Odisha to Invest Rs 4,124 Crore in Sports Development Over Five Years

CM Majhi Announces Plans to Create Modern Sports Facilities in Every Block

NEW DELHI (India CSR): In a landmark initiative aimed at fostering sports at the grassroots level, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on April 16, 2025, that the state government will allocate Rs 4,124 crore for sports development over the next five years. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a five-day inter-university sports competition at Dharanidhar University in Keonjhar, underscoring the government’s commitment to nurturing young talent and building world-class sports infrastructure across the state.

Massive Investment

The state government has earmarked Rs 4,124 crore to be spent over the next five years on developing sports infrastructure. This substantial investment will focus on creating modern facilities for a variety of sports, including volleyball, cricket, football, and athletics, ensuring that every block in Odisha has access to high-quality sporting amenities.

Grassroots Focus

A key aspect of the plan is the allocation of Rs 1,319 crore for the Sports and Youth Affairs department in the current year’s budget. Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that this funding will be meticulously utilized to develop young talents from across Odisha, with a particular emphasis on reaching the grassroots level.

Talent Identification

To promote community-level sports and scout for talent, the government has launched the CM’s Trophy. This initiative will feature championships in football, athletics, hockey, and badminton, starting from the block level and culminating at the state level. The program is expected to engage lakhs of athletes, providing a platform for identifying and nurturing budding sports stars.

Sports Hubs

In addition to block-level facilities, Odisha is set to develop major sports hubs in Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Koraput. These hubs will serve as centers of excellence, offering advanced training and competition opportunities to aspiring athletes, further elevating the state’s sporting ecosystem.

Inter-University Event

The announcement coincided with the inauguration of a five-day inter-university sports competition at Dharanidhar University in Keonjhar. This event, part of a broader effort to encourage sports participation among students, highlights the government’s dedication to integrating sports into educational institutions.

CM’s Vision

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi articulated his vision for sports development, stating, “Modern facilities for various sports including volleyball, cricket, football, and athletics will be created in every block of our state. A total of Rs 4,124 crore will be spent in five years for the development of sports” (New Indian Express). He further emphasized the government’s commitment to youth, saying, “The government has allocated Rs 1,319 crore for the Sports and Youth Affairs department in this year’s budget. Every penny will be spent on developing young talents from Odisha.” Majhi also highlighted the significance of the CM’s Trophy, noting, “CM’s Trophy has been launched as a revolutionary step to promote community-level sports and identify talent from the grassroots level.”

Additional Initiatives

Beyond infrastructure, the Odisha government has shown a broader commitment to sports. For instance, a separate Rs 15 crore sponsorship deal was announced in January 2025 for the Indian national kho kho team, demonstrating the state’s support for indigenous sports (Outlook India). Additionally, plans to construct stadiums in all 314 blocks were approved by the Odisha Cabinet, with each stadium featuring facilities for sports like football, cricket, and indigenous games such as kho-kho and kabaddi (Sambad English).

Budget Context

The sports development plan aligns with the state’s broader financial strategy, as outlined in the 2025-26 budget of Rs 2,90,000 crore, presented by CM Majhi on February 17, 2025. This budget prioritizes capital expenditure, with Rs 65,012 crore allocated for infrastructure development, including sports facilities (The Hindu).

Expected Outcomes

This unprecedented investment in sports infrastructure is poised to transform Odisha into a sporting powerhouse, providing young athletes with the resources and opportunities needed to excel on national and international stages. By focusing on both grassroots development and the creation of specialized sports hubs, the state aims to cultivate a culture of athleticism and excellence.

Table: Key Components of Odisha’s Sports Development Plan

This comprehensive approach, combining infrastructure development, talent scouting, and strategic investments, positions Odisha as a leader in sports development, with the potential to inspire other states to follow suit.

(India CSR)