‘Liquor bottles, used syringes...’: Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar plagued by negligence?

Once hailed as the pride of Odisha’s sporting infrastructure, Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar now finds itself amid utter negligence. What was once a hub of sporting excellence and national pride has reportedly turned into a scene of utter neglect, filth, and alleged misconduct.

Following a spate of complaints from athletes, visitors, and local residents, a team from OTV visited the Kalinga Stadium premises to verify the shocking claims. What their cameras captured painted a grim and disturbing picture — a far cry from the stadium’s celebrated image as one of India’s premier sports complexes.

From the toilets to the surrounding areas, unhygienic conditions prevailed everywhere. Discarded materials were seen strewn across the premises. Even more alarming was the presence of empty liquor bottles, scattered syringes, used condoms, and other objectionable items lying openly in areas frequented by athletes and staff.

According to allegations, some athletes residing on the stadium premises have been using syringes to consume prohibited drugs, raising serious concerns about the lack of discipline and oversight. Despite the presence of security guards from multiple agencies working around the clock, such activities appear to be taking place unchecked.

What has shocked many is that the offices of the Sports Secretary and the Sports Director are located within the same premises - yet, the situation has gone unnoticed or unaddressed for so long.

Sports enthusiasts and citizens across the state have expressed deep disappointment over the state of affairs. They argue that Kalinga Stadium, which has hosted major international events like the Hockey World Cup, deserves far better management and upkeep.

Also Read: Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar to host Super Cup 2025

Public outrage is growing, with many calling for immediate intervention by the state’s Sports Department to restore order, hygiene, and dignity to the venue. They stress that such negligence not only tarnishes the image of the stadium but also casts a shadow on the reputation of Odisha’s sports administration.

As the state basks in its growing reputation as a sporting hub, the shocking condition of Kalinga Stadium serves as a wake-up call - a reminder that infrastructure alone cannot sustain excellence unless it is backed by accountability, maintenance, and vigilance.

No comments were received from the concerned authorities.