Argus News - Sambalpur to Become Odisha’s Second Sports Hub

Sambalpur, Nov 18: The Odisha government has planned to transform Sambalpur into the state’s second sports hub after Bhubaneswar. A 122-acre plot at Jogipali in Kisinda has been earmarked for the construction of an international sports complex, signaling a new era for sports infrastructure in western Odisha, officials said on Tuesday.

DPR Preparation Underway
District Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar said that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be completed and submitted by the end of November. This crucial step will pave the way for construction, bringing world-class facilities to the region.

World-Class Facilities Planned

The proposed complex will include:

• Synthetic track for athletes

• Indoor athletics arena

• Long jump and shot-put facilities

• Tennis courts and basketball tracks

• Modern swimming pool for competitive events

• International-standard football stadium

Officials have highlighted that the Sambalpur complex will surpass Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium in terms of infrastructure and amenities. Plans also include a sports college with hostel facilities, enabling students to balance academics with professional sports training.

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Government and Public Support
The project will be jointly funded by the state and central governments, ensuring robust financial backing. Sports enthusiasts across western Odisha have welcomed the initiative, expressing optimism about the opportunities it will create for young athletes.

Voices from the Sporting Community
Veteran sportspersons Sundarmani Barik and Ramdas Panta praised the move, noting that the complex will nurture local talent and attract national and international events to Sambalpur. The development is expected to position western Odisha as a hub for competitive sports, complementing Bhubaneswar’s existing facilities.

A Milestone for Odisha’s Sports Future
With this ambitious project, Odisha continues to strengthen its reputation as a state committed to sports excellence. Sambalpur’s international sports complex is set to become a catalyst for talent development, global sporting events, and regional pride.

Recently, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan visited Sambalpur and reviewed the progress of the project, holding discussions with the district administration to ensure effective implementation.