Dikhyaa Mohanty 
During their meeting with 5T Chairman Kartik Pandian, UN Resident Coordinator in India Shombi Sharp praised the state government’s efforts to turn Odisha into a sports hub. The Resident Coordinator complimented the State’s sports development initiatives throughout the discussion. The Resident Coordinator had earlier taken a tour of the Kalinga Stadium’s cutting-edge amenities, which include the Aquatic Center, Sports Science Center, and Indoor Athletics Center.
The resident coordinator expressed appreciation for the amenities and noted Odisha’s dedication to supporting athletes and offering top-notch facilities.
“I am amazed by the world-class facilities here in Odisha. They are truly fantastic and unlike anything I have seen before. It reminded me of my time spent at the Olympic Training Centre in Colorado while growing up. What has been accomplished in Odisha is truly incredible, and I believe it signals a very bright future for sports in the state,” shared Shompi Sharp.
In addition to thanking Mr. Sharp for his visit, Kartik Pandian stated his desire to work with the UN to advance Indian sports and Odisha. Odisha has become one of India’s top sporting destinations in recent years. The only state with a budget for sports over Rs 1,000 crores is Odisha, which has been developing its sports infrastructure at a rapid pace. With the greatest arenas in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela (home of the largest seated hockey stadium in the world), Odisha has emerged as the global centre for hockey.
The best facilities, including the largest sports science institute in India, the aquatic facility, and the country’s first indoor sporting stadium, are found at the Kalinga stadium complex in Bhubaneswar. Across the state, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik’s vision of “Sports for youth, Youth for future” is being implemented.
