In a recent development, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced plans to redevelop the Barabati Cricket Stadium in Cuttack and laid the foundation stone for the VSS Cricket Stadium in Sambalpur. The Barabati Stadium will be transformed into a world-class sports complex in collaboration with BCCI, OCA, and corporates, while preserving the iconic clock tower as a heritage structure.
Furthermore, the VSS stadium in Sambalpur will undergo expansion and enhancement to provide top-notch cricket facilities for players in the region. Patnaik also inaugurated cricket facilities at various locations including Berhampur Sports Complex, Shree Jagannath Cricket Stadium, Women’s Cricket Academy in Puri, Sports Complex in Jajpur, and Cricket Ground in Jharsuguda, among others.
Moreover, the Chief Minister revealed plans to name the stadium in Berhampur as Mahatma Gandhi Cricket Stadium in honor of Gandhiji’s historic visit to the place during the freedom movement. Emphasizing the government’s focus on cricket, Patnaik highlighted the aim to foster a conducive environment for nurturing sports champions in the state.
Additionally, Patnaik disclosed the government’s initiative to establish an integrated sports complex in Sitalapalli, Berhampur, equipped with facilities for athletics, football, cricket, and indoor sports to support the region’s athletes. The inauguration of Ganjam Weightlifting Academy, along with a 200-seater hostel, also marked a significant milestone in promoting weightlifting training in the country.
In conclusion, the Chief Minister underscored the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure across the state to encourage youth empowerment and attract more children towards sports. The initiatives are aligned with the goal of establishing Odisha as a prominent sports destination in the country, with a strong emphasis on creating opportunities for emerging talent in the field of sports.
