Bhubaneswar: In a major push to improve sports facilities at the grassroots level, Odisha has opened Khelo India Centers in all of its districts. This initiative is a joint effort by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (Government of India) and the Odisha State Sports and Youth Services Department. The project, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is designed to create top-quality sports infrastructure and support young athletes across the state. 
These new centers will offer athletes access to advanced training facilities for various sports, including football, volleyball, hockey, athletics, kho-kho, and kabaddi. The goal is to provide everything athletes need to develop their skills and compete at higher levels. To help run these centers smoothly, the government will provide each one with an annual grant of ₹5 lakh.
During the launch, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj shared his excitement, saying,
These new centers will offer athletes access to advanced training facilities for various sports, including football, volleyball, hockey, athletics, kho-kho, and kabaddi. The goal is to provide everything athletes need to develop their skills and compete at higher levels. To help run these centers smoothly, the government will provide each one with an annual grant of ₹5 lakh.
During the launch, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj shared his excitement, saying,
"Khelo India Centers have now been set up in every district of Odisha. Along with this, the Kalinga Super Cup—one of India’s top football tournaments—will begin today at the famous Kalinga Stadium, bringing excitement to football fans in the region."Fifth edition of The Kalinga Super Cup starts on Sunday in Bhubaneswar. Since it began in 2018, the tournament has become one of India’s most prestigious football competitions. This year’s event is even more special because the winning team will earn a spot in the AFC Champions League 2 Preliminary Round, as announced on the Indian Super League (ISL) website.
So far, ISL teams have dominated the Kalinga Super Cup, with Bengaluru FC, FC Goa, Odisha FC, and East Bengal FC all winning the title in previous years. Among these, Bengaluru FC, East Bengal, and Odisha FC are the only clubs to have reached the final more than once.
The opening of Khelo India Centers and the hosting of high-profile tournaments like the Kalinga Super Cup highlight Odisha’s growing reputation as a leading sports hub in India. By investing in young talent and modern facilities, the state aims to produce world-class athletes and bring more sporting glory to the country.
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