Odisha to develop play grounds in 6236 gram panchayats

In its bid to encourage sports, Odisha government today decided to develop play grounds in 6236 gram panchayats and one swimming complex in each of the 30 district headquarters.
A decision to this effect was taken at a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik who reviewed the performance of the sports and youth affairs department on completion of the first year of his fourth term in office.
Sports Minister Sudam Marandi said an amount of Rs 5 lakh each would be spent on development of every play ground in gram panchayat level, while a decision has also been taken to set up centre of excellence for promoting disciplines like hockey and archery.

While the state government had earlier decided to set up a mini-stadium in each block in Odisha, the chief minister this time asked the sports and youth affairs department for setting up swimming pool in each district headquarters town.
Marandi further said approval has been given for construction of swimming pool at the district headquarters of Boudh, Mayurbhanj, Jajpur, Ganjam (Berhampur), Subarnapur in the first phase.
"Approval has also been accorded for renovation of existing Jhasakaten Sahu Swimming Pool Complex at Sambalpur, which is underway," the Minister said.
Marandi said the department has already developed a world class hockey complex conforming to the norms of International Hockey Federation here at Kalinga Stadium Sports Complex.