Keonjhar: Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Majhi, announced on Wednesday that the state government will spend ₹4,214 crore over the next five years to improve sports infrastructure and nurture young athletes. The announcement was made during the inauguration of a five-day inter-university sports competition at Dharanidhar University in Keonjhar. 
Odisha to Invest ₹4,214 Crore in Sports Development Over Next Five Years


Focus on Modern Sports Facilities 

The Chief Minister emphasized that the funds will be used to create modern sports facilities across the state, ensuring that every block has access to high-quality infrastructure for sports like volleyball, cricket, football, and athletics. 
"Our goal is to provide world-class training and facilities to young athletes in every corner of Odisha," Majhi said. 

Budget Allocation and Sports Hubs 

In this year’s budget alone, the government has allocated ₹1,319 crore to the Sports and Youth Affairs department. Majhi assured that every rupee will be used to support and develop emerging talent from the state. Additionally, the government is working to establish Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Berhampur, and Koraput as major sports hubs, providing specialized training and resources to athletes in these regions. 

CM’s Trophy: A Grassroots Talent Hunt 

To encourage sports at the community level, the Chief Minister also introduced the "CM’s Trophy", a new initiative aimed at discovering talent from rural and urban areas. The competition will be held at multiple levels—starting from block-level tournaments and culminating in a state championship. Thousands of athletes are expected to participate in events like football, athletics, hockey, and badminton. 
"This initiative will revolutionize sports in Odisha by giving young players a platform to showcase their skills," Majhi said. "We want to identify and nurture talent from the grassroots, ensuring that Odisha produces world-class athletes in the coming years."

A Long-Term Vision for Sports Excellence 

Odisha has already gained recognition for its sports initiatives, including hosting major events like the Hockey World Cup. With this new investment, the state aims to strengthen its position as a leading sports destination in India. The government’s focus on infrastructure, training, and competitions at all levels reflects its commitment to making sports accessible to every aspiring athlete in Odisha. 
The announcement has been welcomed by sports enthusiasts, coaches, and players, who believe this initiative will create more opportunities for young talent and help Odisha shine on national and international sports stages.