Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik of Odisha has unveiled a groundbreaking plan for the development of cricket in the state. The initiative includes the revitalization of the renowned Barabati Cricket Stadium and the commencement of the redevelopment of the VSS Cricket Stadium in Sambalpur. Under this ambitious project Barabati Stadium will undergo a comprehensive makeover, transforming it into a modern sports complex in collaboration with the OCA, BCCI and corporate bodies. While preserving its historic charm, the iconic clock tower will be conserved as a symbol of the stadium’s heritage.
Concurrently, the VSS Stadium in Sambalpur will be expanded and upgraded to provide elite cricket facilities for local players. The CM inaugurated several new cricket facilities across various locations including the Berhampur Sports Complex, Shree Jagannath Cricket Stadium and the Women’s Cricket Academy in Puri. Notably the Berhampur Stadium will be renamed the Mahatma Gandhi Cricket Stadium in honor of Gandhiji’s historic visit during the freedom movement. Additionally, plans are underway to establish an Integrated Sports Complex in Sitalapalli, Berhampur catering to a range of sports activities such as athletics, football and cricket. The inauguration ceremony also marked the launch of the Ganjam Weightlifting Academy equipped with a 200-seat hostel making it the largest weightlifting training facility in the country. In Jajpur, the CM inaugurated several sports infrastructures including the Kusuma Complex Swimming Pool and Hockey Training Centre while laying the foundation stones for rugby and cricket grounds along with hostels. Furthering the state’s commitment to sporting excellence, foundation stones were laid for Integrated Sports Complexes in Bargarh and Dhenkanal which will feature athletic tracks, swimming pools, football and cricket facilities.
Expressing optimism about Odisha’s rise as a sports hub, Chief Minister Patnaik reiterated the government’s dedication to nurturing sporting talent and attracting more youth towards sports. The program conducted through video conferencing across 50 venues saw the active participation of numerous cricketers and sports personalities, underscoring the significance of the initiatives for the state’s sporting future.