Odisha CM highlights role of sports in building discipline, teamwork and resilience
Bhubaneswar, June 7
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Sunday that sports are not merely about medals, records, victories or defeats, but also about inculcating discipline, teamwork and resilience required to face adverse situations in life.
While attending the valedictory session of the two-day "Chintan Shibir" organised by the State Sports and Youth Services Department, Chief Minister Majhi added that this programme which is being organised in Odisha for the first time, would play a significant role in preparing a comprehensive roadmap and framework for the future development of sports in the state.
It is noteworthy that the event, organised by the state Sports Department, brought together sports experts from national and international level, administrators and sportspersons to deliberate on the growth and development of sports in Odisha.
The Chief Minister also said that Odisha has now earned global recognition by successfully hosting national and international sporting events.
Informed in his speech during the event, Chief Minister Majhi added that the World Athletics and the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships are scheduled to be hosted in Odisha in 2028.
He also noted that while Odisha successfully hosted the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event last year, the Silver-level edition of the competition will be held in the state this year.
Chief Minister Majhi said that while Odisha successfully hosted the World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze event last year, the Silver-level edition of the competition will be held in the state this year.
He added that steps have been taken to establish a multi-purpose sports complex at Gothapatna in Bhubaneswar with an investment of nearly Rs 1,000 crore.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister emphasised that development of young talent is impossible without the development of sports.
He said that to strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, the state government is constructing state-of-the-art multi-purpose stadiums at the block level across the state with an investment of more than Rs 4,000 crore.
In addition, emerging talents from rural areas are being identified through the Chief Minister's Trophy programme and provided advanced training.
He also stressed the importance of ensuring "Happy Coaches, Happy Athletes and Happy Achievers".
"The sports sector will play a major role in achieving the goals of a 'Samruddha Odisha' by 2036 and a 'Viksit Bharat by 2047'. In the coming years, Odisha will not only be known as an excellent host of sporting events but that the presence of Odia athletes among world-class champions will become a regular phenomenon," Chief Minister Majhi added.
— IANS
Reader Comments
I appreciate the emphasis on discipline and resilience through sports, but I hope this isn't just another photo-op. We need actual implementation and accountability. The ₹1,000 crore complex sounds impressive, but let's see if it benefits ordinary children from villages, not just elite athletes.
"Happy Coaches, Happy Athletes, Happy Achievers" – this is the kind of holistic approach we need in Indian sports. For too long we have focused only on medals and ignored mental well-being. Also, hosting World Athletics events is a huge deal for a non-metro state. Proud moment for Odisha! 🇮🇳🏅
Finally a state government thinking beyond cricket! 😅 But seriously, I hope this translates to better coaching and facilities for sports like athletics, hockey, football, and not just tokenism. The 2036 Odisha vision is ambitious, but we need sustained investment, not just announcements.
It's refreshing to see a Chief Minister speak so passionately about sports as a life skill, not just competition. The connection between sports and building character is so important – in the UK we often neglect this. Odisha's approach could be a model for other states and countries.
I am a bit skeptical about the ₹4,000 crore block-level stadium plan. We have seen many such grand schemes in the past where the money gets stuck in contractors and middlemen. Instead of building many mediocre stadiums, why not focus on a few world-class academies in each district? But yes, intent is good. 👌
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