Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Sunday that the state government will allocate over Rs 4,000 crore to construct modern multi-purpose stadiums in every block. During the closing session of the two-day ‘Chintan Shivir-2026’ organized by the Sports and Youth Services department, Majhi revealed plans for a state-of-the-art multi-purpose sports complex in Gothapatana, with an investment of Rs 1,000 crore.

Majhi emphasized the government’s dedication to enhancing sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, noting that Odisha has gained international acclaim for successfully hosting major sporting events. The state is preparing to host the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver event this year, following last year’s successful Bronze-level competition. Additionally, it is gearing up for the World Athletics Championships and the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in 2028.

To discover and cultivate talent from rural areas, the government will expand the ‘Chief Minister’s Trophy’ initiative, which aims to select promising athletes and provide them with advanced training facilities. Majhi expressed optimism that by 2036, Odisha’s athletes will frequently rank among world champions. “Odisha will not only be recognized as an excellent organizer of sporting events but also as a state that consistently produces world-class champions,” the CM stated.

The conclave gathered sports administrators, athletes, experts, and policymakers to discuss strategies for enhancing the state’s sports ecosystem and boosting its international competitiveness. Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also addressed the gathering.