Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Through a video conference today, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik unveiled sports projects valued over Rs 120 crores that will advance Sambalpur’s sports industry. An official press release states that Patnaik laid the groundwork for the Sambalpur Football Academy, the Sambalpur University sports complex, which includes the hockey stadium, as well as the Burla indoor stadium. These projects have been carried out under the 5T initiative with the intention of benefiting the people, especially the youth of Sambalpur, in line with the Chief Minister’s vision of “Sports for youth, youth for future.”
Chief Minister Patnaik lauded Sambalpur’s strong sports tradition and expressed optimism that the district’s sports development will be further bolstered by these facilities. He also mentioned how popular football is in Sambalpur, which is why the Sambalpur Football Academy is being founded to give the region’s football talent access to top-notch coaching and competition facilities.
Four badminton courts and more than 400 seats are available at Burla Indoor Stadium. In addition to player changing rooms, a gym, a first aid room, and multipurpose halls that can host additional indoor games like carrom, chess, fencing, etc., the central AC facility also has a gym. The playing arena is outfitted with a BWF-recommended sports lighting system and wooden synthetic flooring to give the players a global experience. The stadium was constructed for a total cost of Rs 32, including funding of Rs 7.5 crore and Rs 10.35 crore from the Government of India and MCL.
The upcoming Sambalpur University Sports Complex will feature a hockey stadium with synthetic hockey turf that is certified by the FIH under Category 1, a sports lighting system that is recommended by the FIH, and a gallery that can hold up to 3000 spectators, with seating available for those with disabilities. The hockey stadium will also feature dignitary seating, a gymnasium, and player facilities. In addition, a 1000-seat multipurpose indoor stadium featuring an arena with BWF-standard badminton courts will be included. This stadium can also host indoor sports like combat sports and table tennis, as well as basketball, kho kho, and volleyball. The multipurpose indoor stadium will have medical space, offices, coach rooms, a weightlifting hall, and a fitness center. It will be prepared to hold competitions at the regional level.
