Odisha Sets to Become Sports Powerhouse with State-Wide Initiative

Bhubaneswar (Nov 28): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced that his government is determined to position the state as a powerhouse of sports by fostering a large number of national and international athletes.

At the inauguration of 'Utsaha,' a state-level sports festival organised by the Odisha State Child Protection Society (OSCPS) at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Majhi expressed the importance of early sports training, drawing inspiration from countries like the US, Russia, China, Japan, and Brazil where children start athletic training as early as three to four years old.

A total of 580 kids from 165 child care institutions are participating in the festival, which concludes on Friday. The initiative aims to promote early discovery of talents and encouraging schools to provide specialised sports coaching to nurture future champions.

Majhi called upon parents to broaden their aspirations for their children, stating that sports is now considered a viable career option alongside medicine, engineering, and civil services. He also highlighted the state government's investment in developing sports infrastructure and providing housing for sports talent at facilities like Kalinga Stadium, where several international athletes have kickstarted their careers after residing in these hostels.

The festival 'Utsaha' is an attempt to bridge the gap between early childhood education and professional athletics in Odisha, providing children with a platform to showcase their skills and abilities.