Odisha CM Emphasizes Sports as a Tool for Discipline and Teamwork

Bhubaneswar, June 8: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that sports extend beyond winning medals and setting records. They serve as a vital medium for developing discipline, teamwork, and the ability to face challenging situations in life.

He highlighted the significant role of sports in shaping the personalities of youth and contributing to the overall development of the state.

The Chief Minister spoke during the closing session of a two-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ organized by the state’s Sports and Youth Services Department. He noted that this inaugural event in Odisha would play a crucial role in creating a comprehensive roadmap and robust action plan for the future development of sports in the state.

The program saw participation from national and international sports experts, administrators, and athletes, who engaged in detailed discussions about the development of sports and new possibilities in Odisha. The Chief Minister mentioned that due to the successful hosting of national and international sports events, Odisha has gained a unique identity on a global scale.

He announced that Odisha will host the World Athletics and Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028. Additionally, the state successfully hosted the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event last year and is set to host the Silver level of this competition this year.

The Chief Minister revealed that a state-of-the-art multipurpose sports complex is being developed in Gothapatna, Bhubaneswar, at a cost of approximately ₹1,000 crore. Furthermore, over ₹4,000 crore is being invested to strengthen sports infrastructure by constructing modern multipurpose stadiums at the block level across the state.

He mentioned that the Chief Minister Trophy program aims to identify emerging talents in rural areas and provide them with advanced training. He also referred to the concept of ‘Happy Coach, Happy Athlete, and Happy Achievers.’

Majhi expressed confidence that the sports sector will play a pivotal role in achieving the goals of ‘Prosperous Odisha’ by 2036 and ‘Developed India‘ by 2047. In the coming years, Odisha will be recognized not only for hosting sports events but also for nurturing world-class champion athletes.