Jharsuguda: Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced that Jharsuguda will soon have a national-standard hockey stadium, marking a major upgrade for sports infrastructure in western Odisha. The announcement followed a detailed discussion with key members of the hockey fraternity, including Hockey India President Dilip Kumar Tirkey, Hockey Association of Odisha General Secretary Sanatan Sahu, and Vice-President Jeeban Mohanty, who has been a primary driver of the sport’s local growth.

Over a short span of time, Jharsuguda has emerged as a prominent hockey hub in Odisha, with active participation from students, local clubs, and sports enthusiasts. The district has successfully hosted national-level 5-a-side girls’ hockey tournaments, organized summer coaching camps, and promoted grassroots-level engagement in the sport.

The Minister also assured the construction of three additional stadiums in Brajrajnagar, along with the provision of watering facilities at the existing hockey stadium in H Katapali, further strengthening the region’s sports infrastructure.

Pujari lauded the contributions of major industries such as Odisha Power Generation Corporation (OPGC), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), and Vedanta for their support in nurturing sports talent and promoting hockey activities in the district.

The proposed developments are expected to further strengthen Jharsuguda’s position on the national sports map and provide a platform for budding players to excel at higher levels.