In a step towards strengthening grassroots sports infrastructure in Odisha, 30 Khelo India Centres across all 30 districts of the state were inaugurated today. Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj inaugurated these centres through video conference at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

Established with joint collaboration between the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Department of Sports and Youth Services (DSYS), Government of Odisha, Khelo India Centres aim to nurture sporting talent at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Minister Suraj informed that these centres are designed to provide necessary sports infrastructure in different disciplines such as football, volleyball, hockey, athletics, kho-kho, kabaddi etc. The centres have been set up in schools. But the names of the schools has not been disclosed by the DSYS.

Besides each Kehlo India Centre will offer training and coaching facilities to help young athletes hone their skills. He added that this initiative would ensure that sporting talent from every district, beyond the major cities, gets the opportunity to flourish.

Each Khelo India Centre will receive an annual grant of Rs 5 lakh from the government for smooth operations. Former national and state-level athletes will serve as coaches, imparting professional training to aspiring players, the Minister said.

Kehlo India Centre will also focus on promoting local sports, the Sports Minister sadi. Sports Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sarma outlined the objectives and operational framework of the Khelo India centres. District-level officials, athletes and coaches also participated in the event.