Odisha CM Inaugurates Indias First Indoor Athletics Centre in Bhubaneswar

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated Indias first indoor athletics centre at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The centre boasts a 10,000 square metre track, a 200-metre synthetic track, and designated areas for various athletic events, making it capable of hosting continental and regional championships.

In a significant milestone for Indian sports, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated India's first indoor athletics centre at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. This state-of-the-art facility marks a new era for athletic training and competition in the country.

World-Class Indoor Athletics Centre

The indoor athletics centre boasts a sprawling 10,000 square metre track, making it capable of hosting continental and regional championships. Equipped with a 200-metre synthetic track, an 80-metre plus 20-metre running track, and designated areas for long jump, triple jump, pole vault, and shot put, the centre caters to a wide range of athletic disciplines.

To support full-time coaching, the facility features 60 twin-sharing rooms, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for athletes.

Indoor Aquatic Centre for International Competitions

Alongside the indoor athletics centre, an indoor aquatic centre was also inaugurated. This world-class facility features a temperature-controlled 50-metre Olympic-size swimming pool and a 25-metre warm-up pool. With a seating capacity for 1,000 spectators, the aquatic centre is poised to host international swimming championships.

The Odisha Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), a joint venture between the state government and JSW Group, will operate from this aquatic centre. Additionally, Central PSU NALCO contributed towards the construction of the indoor aquatic centre through CSR funding.

Foundation Laid for Indoor Diving Centre

In further bolstering Odisha's sports infrastructure, Chief Minister Patnaik laid the foundation for an indoor diving centre at the Kalinga Stadium. This upcoming facility will house a temperature-controlled diving pool of 25 metres, with an additional 5 metres for synchronised swimming. It will also have a seating capacity for 500 spectators.

Enhancing Athletic Excellence

Expressing his enthusiasm about these new facilities, Chief Minister Patnaik highlighted their significance in nurturing athletic talent. He stated, "The new indoor facilities will help our athletes train and compete round the year without any external weather disturbances. We are confident that both indoor athletics centre and the aquatic centre will certainly help set new standards for sporting excellence on both international and national stages."

With the inauguration of these state-of-the-art indoor facilities, Odisha has taken a significant step towards promoting sports and providing world-class training infrastructure for its athletes. These facilities will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian athletics and aquatics.