Chief Minister Encourages Players at ‘Sambalpur Cup’ Kabaddi Tournament – Kabaddi Is Part of Our Culture; Sambalpur Will Emerge as Odisha’s Major Sports Hub: Chief Minister

Sambalpur:-Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the All-India Kabaddi Tournament, Sambalpur Cup, as the chief guest and encouraged the participating players.Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that kabaddi is not merely a sport but a symbol of India’s cultural heritage that originated in rural communities and has now earned international recognition.

                       

            To strengthen Sambalpur’s sports infrastructure, the Chief Minister announced several major development projects. He stated that the tender process has begun for the redevelopment of the VSS Stadium at a cost of ₹25 crore. Construction of a FIFA-standard football stadium at Mandalia Playground is also underway with an investment of ₹15 crore.

                       

          The government has further decided to establish a 100-bed sports hostel for young athletes, a multipurpose stadium, and block-level stadiums in all nine blocks of Sambalpur district. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) are being prepared for the modernization of the indoor stadiums at Burla and Hirakud. Efforts are also underway to develop the Government Sports College at Kulundi into a premier sports training centre for western Odisha.

                     

           Recalling the journey of kabaddi in Sambalpur—from matches played on the sandy banks of the Mahanadi River to competitions in modern stadiums—the Chief Minister praised the district’s sporting legacy and international athletes. He highlighted the achievements of Bhima Barad, who won gold at the 2004 South Asian Games, and Priyanka Pradhan, who secured a gold medal at the 2025 Asian Youth Games. He described their success as an inspiration for the younger generation.

          The Chief Minister noted that victory and defeat are two sides of the same coin and commended all participating teams for their sportsmanship. He also thanked Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra and the tournament organizers for successfully hosting the event.Among those present on the occasion were Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, former Rengali MLA Nauri Naik, and Sambalpur Collector Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar.