Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik Launches Major Cricket Development Initiatives

Bhubaneswar: In a significant stride towards cricket development in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has announced ambitious plans for the revamp of the iconic Barabati Cricket Stadium and the VSS Cricket Stadium in Sambalpur. The redevelopment of the Barabati Stadium, in collaboration with BCCI, OCA, and corporates, aims to transform it into a modern sports complex while preserving its historic clock tower as a heritage structure. Similarly, the VSS Stadium in Sambalpur is set to undergo expansion and enhancement to provide top-notch cricket facilities for regional players.

Additionally, the Chief Minister inaugurated various cricket facilities across the state, including the Berhampur Sports Complex, Shree Jagannath Cricket Stadium, Women’s Cricket Academy in Puri, and the Jajpur Sports Complex. Notably, the stadium in Berhampur will be named the Mahatma Gandhi Cricket Stadium in honour of his historic visit during the Freedom movement.

Furthermore, Patnaik laid the foundation stone for an Integrated Sports Complex in Sitalapalli, Berhampur, catering to various sports like athletics, football, and cricket.

The inauguration of the Ganjam Weightlifting Academy, coupled with the largest weightlifting training facility in the country, reflects the region’s prowess in the sport.

In Jajpur, several sports infrastructures were inaugurated, including a swimming pool, hockey training center, indoor stadium, athletic track, and football ground, with plans for a rugby ground and cricket grounds in the pipeline. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for Integrated Sports Complexes in Bargarh and Dhenkanal, aiming to provide state-of-the-art facilities for various sports disciplines.

The program, conducted via video conferencing across 50 venues, witnessed the participation of numerous cricketers and sports personalities, underscoring the collective commitment to sports development in Odisha.