Interview Times 
Mr. Dulal Chandra Pradhan is a distinguished sports administrator who has made significant contributions to the field of athletics and cricket in the state of Odisha, India. Currently serving as the Vice President of the Odisha Athletic Associations and the Vice President Odisha Olympic Association, Pradhan has played a crucial role in promoting and developing sports at the grassroots level. With a rich background in sports administration, he has previously held the position of Vice President in the Odisha Cricket Association and the Odisha Athletic Association, leaving a lasting impact on the growth and success of these organizations.
1. Can you tell us about your background in athletics?
My interest in sports began to develop after I joined school, and it continued to grow throughout my educational journey. It was during my college years that I had the opportunity to visit the stadium, which further fueled my passion for sports. I initially started my athletic journey with Javelin Throw and the 200m sprint. Alongside my passion for athletics, I also had a deep interest in cricket and had the privilege of representing my district and state teams. I participated in various tournaments such as the Under-19 level, inter-college competitions, and university events. Back then, pursuing a career in sports was particularly challenging, unlike the opportunities available today. However, my determination and enthusiasm drove me to overcome those hurdles.
2. What motivated you to become the head of the Sambalpur District Athlete Association?
During my childhood, when I used to play in the stadium, the level of development was considerably limited. However, over time, cities like Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have emerged as prominent hubs for athletes, while Rourkela has also begun
witnessing significant growth. Unfortunately, the progress in Western Odisha has been relatively sluggish. Presently, we have established an association in the stadium, providing opportunities for athletes to participate in various sports and nurturing their talents.
3. What are your planning for the development of the stadium in the future Sambalpur as the secretary?
In Sambalpur, the efforts made by the Honorable MP and Honorable MLA have contributed to some extent in the development process. However, we have not been able to accomplish it entirely. We organized a program where we had the privilege of hosting Honorable CM Sri Naveen Patnaik, who emphasized the need for collective contributions towards development. Personally, we had the opportunity to meet and discuss plans for progress. One of the key discussions revolved around establishing a Satellite stadium, which would serve as a nurturing ground for budding talents. Additionally, we requested the opening of two stadiums in Sambalpur, considering the distance students have to travel from various areas for practice sessions.
4. How do you promote and support athletics within the Sambalpur District?
We are committed to assisting athletes and students facing financial constraints by providing support and opportunities. Our efforts extend to reaching out to numerous athletes eager to participate but hindered by financial limitations. Additionally, we strive to reach students from diverse districts, including those in rural areas. We also offer job opportunities in sectors such as railways and other fields to aid in their advancement. Our aim is to provide assistance and
opportunities to a wide range of individuals in need.
5. What advice would you give to aspiring athletes in Sambalpur District who dream of representing their state or country?
As a sportsman, I understand the challenges and hardships that fellow athletes face. Sports require discipline, and it is through dedicated struggles that we can achieve our goals. Athletics, in particular, demands immense hard work and relentless practice. Therefore, I urge all players to commit to consistent training, as it is through this perseverance that fruitful results are obtained.
