In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” Odisha Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, an embodiment of this sentiment with his rallying cry, “Sports for Youth, Youth for the Future,” has turned the dream of making Odisha the sports hub of India into a resounding reality.
Under Shri Naveen Patnaik’s visionary leadership, Odisha is witnessing the creation of a robust sports ecosystem, encompassing world-class infrastructure, High-Performance Centers, and grassroots sports promotion programs. Patnaik’s commitment to sports goes beyond rhetoric, evident in the state’s significant investments in creating an inclusive and accessible sports environment, benefiting athletes from the block to the state level.
If hosting the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in 2018 and supporting Indian hockey teams marked a pinnacle, 2023 saw Odisha ascend even higher. Bhubaneswar, under Naveen & Co., became the first city to host the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup for the second consecutive time, with Rourkela as a co-host. The resounding success of the 2017 Asian Athletics Championships and the 2018 Hockey World Cup led to Odisha being crowned the ‘Sports Capital of India.’
The Kalinga Stadium Sports Complex stands as a beacon of Odisha’s sporting prowess, boasting world-class infrastructure. The recently inaugurated Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium Complex in Rourkela further embellishes Odisha’s sports hub dream, earning global acclaim for its rapid development.
Patnaik’s commitment to uplifting Sundargarh, a bastion of hockey talent, extends beyond hockey. The introduction of rugby as a major sport, with 17 astro turf facilities being built, exemplifies the state’s forward-looking approach. Patnaik’s government sponsors the men and women’s national rugby teams, signaling a commitment to diverse sports.
High-Performance Centers (HPCs) for various sports, including gymnastics and hockey, have been inaugurated, showcasing partnerships with corporate giants like Arcelor Mittal Nippon Steel (AM/NS) India and Tata Steel. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) with AM/NS India for a Kho Kho HPC underscores Odisha’s commitment to diverse sports disciplines.
The All India Football Federation (AIFF) and Odisha government signed an MoU to establish the AIFF-FIFA Talent Academy, reflecting Patnaik’s vision to put India on the global football map. Additionally, India’s first indoor athletics stadium, equipped with a 10,000 sq meters track, was introduced in 2023, adding another feather to Odisha’s cap.
Major international and national events hosted by Odisha in 2023, including the Men’s Hockey World Cup, Inter-continental Cup football, and various championships, highlight the state’s prowess in organizing and hosting world-class sporting events.
Odisha’s athletes have also shone on the global stage, with notable performances by javelin thrower Kishore Kumar Jena, para shuttler Pramod Bhagat, and shooter Shriyanka Sadangi. Their achievements underscore the state’s commitment to nurturing talent and achieving excellence.
Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s vision has propelled Odisha from a regional player to a global sports hub. The increased sports budget, partnerships with major corporations, and a diverse range of sports initiatives reflect the state’s dedication to fostering a healthy and competitive sporting environment. Odisha is not just building infrastructure; it is crafting a legacy where its athletes will shine on the global stage, making the state synonymous with sporting excellence in the years to come.