Odisha Unveils Ambitious Plans to Establish itself as a Sports Powerhouse

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday launched 'Utsaha', Odisha's state-level sports festival, at Kalinga Stadium, as the state seeks to tap into its dormant sporting potential. In his address, Majhi emphasized the crucial role of early sports training in nurturing young talent and competing with international standards, drawing parallels between Odisha and countries like the US and China.

The festival has already garnered significant attention, with 580 children representing 165 child care institutions participating from across the state. The Chief Minister pledged that the state government would extend specialized coaching at schools to enable students to unlock their full potential in sports and excel at national levels.

To encourage parents to foster a culture of sports among their children, Majhi announced that schools would be equipped with world-class facilities. The state has already made substantial investments in upgrading sports infrastructure across the state through district-level hostels, which have successfully launched the careers of numerous international athletes.

The 'Utsaha' sports festival aims to put Odisha firmly on the map as a sporting nation, with the aim of identifying and nurturing young talent that can spearhead the state's foray into the world of international athletics. The event is seen as a crucial step towards establishing Odisha as a leading sports powerhouse in the region.