Odisha to Build Stadiums in All 314 Blocks to Boost Grassroots Sports: CM Majhi

In a major push to strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Thursday that the state government will construct stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state.

Speaking at an event in Keonjhar, Majhi said that the initiative is aimed at promoting sporting talent from the grassroots and creating world-class facilities across rural and urban areas alike. The government has earmarked over ₹4,000 crore for the construction of stadiums across various levels—from village and block to district scale.

“Each block will have a stadium spread over 8 to 10 acres of land. This will give our youth better access to sports infrastructure and help nurture local talent,” Majhi said.

While cricket, hockey, and football remain popular across the state, the Chief Minister emphasized that traditional Indian sports like Kho Kho, Kabaddi, and handball will also be actively promoted through this initiative.

The move is seen as part of the state’s broader strategy to make Odisha a sporting powerhouse, building on its successful hosting of national and international sporting events in recent years.