Odisha, Bihar Join Hands to Boost Sports Development

Bhubaneswar: Bihar’s Sports & Industry Minister Shreyasi Singh concluded her four‑day visit to Odisha with a meeting at Kalinga Stadium alongside Odisha’s Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj.

The two leaders agreed to strengthen cooperation in the sports sector through athlete exchange programs, grassroots talent scouting, sports science integration, and infrastructure development.

Odisha showcased its High‑Performance Centres and grassroots initiatives such as the CM Trophy, while Bihar highlighted its plan to build sports facilities—including volleyball, basketball, cricket practice pitches, and football grounds—in every Gram Panchayat.

Both states emphasised the importance of sports science, with Odisha advocating its integration into training curricula and Bihar focusing on athlete awareness around injury prevention, nutrition, and rest.

Odisha also praised the expansion of Khelo India centres and suggested state‑level competitions before national events to boost performance.

The Bihar delegation also experienced Odisha’s rich culture and cuisine, including a visit to Lord Jagannath in Puri.

Minister Singh remarked that Odisha’s sports model serves as an inspiration for the nation.

This collaboration marks a significant step in sports diplomacy, aiming to nurture grassroots talent and modernise athlete training across both states.