Odisha to build world-class sports valley in Bhubaneswar, PM to lay foundation on Sept 17

To be built on 150 acres of land, project entails an investment of Rs 1,000 Cr

By Sukant Mohanty

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 31: The Odisha government on Friday announced plans to build a world-class sports valley at Gothapatna here on the outskirts of the capital city Bhubaneswar.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lay the foundation stone for the project on September 17

To be built over 150 acres of land, the project will entail an investment of Rs 1000 crore.

The sports valley will among others have facilities for almost all the sports events played at the Olympics.

“The proposed sports valley will have facilities for almost all the sports and games like golf, wrestling, boxing, skating, archery, swimming, beach volleyball and other water sports as well as high performance centres.

The proposed valley will add to the constant endeavour of the Odisha government to put Bhubaneswar on the world sports map.

The state has already succeeded in grabbing the global eyeballs by creating world-class sporting facilities inside the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. With a incredible annual sports budget of Rs 1,300 crore, the highest among all states, Odisha is aiming at holistic development of athletes and sporting culture.

The state has already established a bouquet of high-performance centres at the Kalinga Sports Complex—in hockey, football, swimming, weightlifting, sports science, gymnastics, athletics, shooting and badminton. According to Olympian and renowned sprinter Shravani Nanda, the centres are a platform for athletes to refine their skills under seasoned mentors and coaches.

“I extend my sincere thanks to the Odisha government for its endeavour to build at world-class sports valley. This will further encourage our local talents as well as provide all the Indian players to hone up their skills here and emerge successful and international arena,” said Nanda.