Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj opened 30 Khelo India Centers in each of the state’s 30 districts, marking a major milestone in bolstering grassroots sports infrastructure in Odisha. The Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, and the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports have established the centers together. The Minister emphasized the state’s ongoing dedication to constructing strong sports infrastructure at the local level at the inauguration event, which took place at Kalinga Stadium.
“These centres are designed to provide access to quality sports training and infrastructure in disciplines such as football, volleyball, hockey, athletics, kho-kho, kabaddi, and more,” said Minister Suraj. “By ensuring that talent from every district has the platform to grow, we are taking a significant step toward creating a vibrant sporting culture across the state.”
An annual grant of Rs 5 lakh would be given to each Khelo India Center to assist coaching, training, and operations. Former athletes who competed at the state and national levels will serve as coaches, offering new athletes expert advice.
