Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday announced an allocation of Rs 1,315 crore for sports and youth services in its annual sports budget.
Announcing the sports budget in the Assembly, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the government had made a hike of Rs 98 crore for financial year 2024-25 over the last year’s Rs 1,217 crore. The allocation includes Rs 1210 crore for the programme budget and Rs 105 crore under the establishment, operations and maintenance (EOM) budget.
Following are the highlights of the sports budget:
• An outlay of Rs 952 crore for a new world-class stadium in Bhubaneswar, setting up world-class sports academies in 4 zones across the state, establishment of district-level sports academies, activation of mini stadia and for the development of sports at a grass root level.
• Rs 100 crore earmarked for the Yuva Shakti Yojana for the integrated development of the youth.
• Khela Ratna Khoja Abhiyaan to be launched to scout for promising young athletes at the grassroots level and nurture them for the future.
• Rs 65 crore allocation as assistance for outstanding sportspersons and organising various competitions in the current financial year.
Reiterated his commitment towards development of sports, athletes and related infrastructure, the Chief Minister said, “Today, sports is not just a means of physical fitness, but a tool for the overall development of youth and the pride of our state. With this substantial investment, Odisha will continue to emerge as a hub of sporting excellence and young athletes will have all the facilities and support they need to succeed on national and international platforms. Through initiative such as the ‘Khela Ratna Khoja Abhiyaan’ and ‘Yuva Shakti’, Odisha will nurture and promote the next generation of champions.”