Bhubanesar: Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, the President of the Odisha Cricket Association (OCA), has enthusiastically welcomed the Union Cabinet approved “Khelo Bharat Niti 2025,” India’s new National Sports Policy. In a ringing endorsement, Shri Mohanty asserted that the policy is poised to revolutionize the sporting landscape of Odisha, particularly for cricket, by fostering a robust ecosystem from grassroots to elite levels.
Ace Sports Promoter Shri Mohanty underscored the policy’s pivotal emphasis on modern infrastructure development, which he believes is crucial for nurturing talent within the state and enabling Odisha to become a major hub for national and international sporting events. This aligns perfectly with the “Viksit Odisha” vision, aiming for a USD 1.5 trillion economy by 2047, where sports development is seen as an integral component. The OCA anticipates significant investments in upgrading existing cricket stadiums, establishing new training facilities, and improving grounds across Odisha, directly benefiting the sport.
A key highlight of the “Khelo Bharat Niti 2025” that resonated with Mohanty is its focus on creating a comprehensive grassroots-to-elite pathway. He expressed confidence that this framework will empower the OCA to develop more effective talent identification programs, reaching into the deepest corners of rural Odisha to unearth future cricketing stars. The policy’s commitment to extensive training for coaches and holistic athlete support, including sports science, medicine, and technology, is expected to elevate the standard of cricket performance in the state.
Furthermore, Shri Mohanty noted the seamless integration of sports with the state’s economic vision. He foresees that the economic growth spurred by Odisha’s ambitious development plans will naturally channel resources and support towards the sports sector. This could lead to increased private sector participation through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, providing much-needed financial impetus for cricket development.
The OCA President also highlighted the policy’s potential to increase opportunities for aspiring athletes by positioning sports as a viable career option and integrating it into educational curricula. This move is expected to not only encourage more young individuals to pursue cricket professionally but also create sustainable career pathways for sports professionals, including retired cricketers, within Odisha.
Odisha has already demonstrated a strong commitment to sports, successfully hosting major international events in various disciplines. Shri Mohanty’s optimistic outlook confirms that the OCA views the “Khelo Bharat Niti 2025” as a powerful catalyst to further solidify Odisha’s reputation as a premier sporting destination, driving both state and national sporting excellence.