Previous govt overlooked sports infra in State: Odisha CM

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, in attendance at the National Sports Meet 2025 hosted by Ekal Vidyalaya on Monday, advocated for a complete sports infra overhaul in Odisha.

CM Majhi criticised the previous government for its lack of support towards youth engagement in sports. He asserted the BJD-led government overlooked vital opportunities to bolster sporting infrastructure across the State, promising that under the current governance, these issues would be addressed.

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In his address to a huge gathering, the CM acclaimed the new government's achievements, highlighting that within just seven months in power, significant strides have been made to nurture sports talent. He emphasised the government's commitment to promoting rural sports and revealed plans to construct mini stadiums in each block of Odisha.

The CM further elaborated, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government is earnestly pursuing improvements across education, health, and rural development, underscoring their mission for widespread advancements in various sectors.

“We have decided to develop a world-class sports complex in Bhubaneswar. A budgetary provision has been made for it. Moreover, to take sports to a new height, we have allocated funds of around Rs 1,315 Crore, which was never done before,” the CM said.

“Previous government had never thought to give priority to sports and youths. They never wanted to take the sports and youths to national and international levels. Our (BJP-led) government is keen to set up mini stadiums in all 314 blocks,” the CM asserted.

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The sports meet was organised at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Odisha Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and several others were present on the occasion.

No comments were received from the BJD in this regard.