2-day Chintan Shivir kicks off in Bhubaneswar, ‘Need to bridge gap between padia and podium’ says Sports Minister

Bhubaneswar, June 2026: The 2-day Chintan Shivir organized by the Sports and Youth Services, Government of Odisha, commenced today in Bhubaneswar with the objective of strengthening the state’s sports ecosystem and nurturing talent from the grassroots to the highest levels of excellence. The unique platform has brought together key stakeholders for extensive deliberations and discussions on the holistic development of sports in Odisha.

The grand inaugural session was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Odisha, Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, who attended as the Chief Guest and extended his best wishes for the success of the event. He emphasised on the government’s commitment to transform Odisha into one of India’s leading states for producing sporting talent.
Held under the direct guidance of the Hon’ble Minister, Sports and Youth Services, Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, the conclave featured discussions on several critical aspects of sports development at both the state and national levels. Key themes included athlete welfare and social security, grassroots talent identification, sports science and advanced technology, public-private partnerships, e-sports, enhancing Odisha’s medal prospects in future national and international competitions, and formulating a dedicated roadmap for the next ten years.

Deliberations were held on 4 topic namely; Odisha Medal Strategy, talent identification & development – grassroots to HPC Level & Coach Development, sports science, technology and high performance, athlete welfare and social security.
The conclave has brought together leading sports experts, senior government officials, sports administrators, and distinguished personalities from the sporting world. Among the notable panelists are Padmashri Deepa Malik, Monal Chokshi, General Secretary, Swimming Federation of India, Padmashri Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, Adille Sumariwalla, Vice President of World Athletics, Executive Director, Sports Science, Sports Authority of India, Dr. Bibhu Kalyan Nayak, Executive Director, Khelo India, Sports Authority of India, Lt. Col. Kabilan Sai Ashok among others, who actively participated in the discussions.

On the occasion, Sports Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj stated that Odisha’s true sporting talent resides in its rural areas, and the government’s primary objective is to bridge the gap between the “padia and podium” by providing world-class infrastructure and opportunities to athletes. He called upon sports associations, school physical education teachers, district sports officers, and education officials to work together under a unified framework to build a structured sports ecosystem.

He further highlighted that such preparations would enable Odisha’s athletes, coaches, and sports administrators to derive maximum benefit from two major international events scheduled to be hosted in the state in 2028; the World Athletics Indoor Championships and the Asian Athletics Indoor Championships. He expressed confidence that these efforts would also support India’s aspiration to host the 2036 Olympic Games and help the nation’s “Amrit Peedhi” of young athletes achieve global sporting excellence.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Department of Sports and Youth Services, Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia, delivered the welcome address. He noted that success in modern sports requires not only physical ability but also the effective integration of science and technology. He outlined various initiatives undertaken by the government to identify and nurture sporting talent from the grassroots level.

The recommendations and insights emerging from the conclave will play a significant role in shaping Odisha’s sporting future and elevating its sports ecosystem to global standards.
The 2-day Chintan Shivir will continue until tomorrow. The valedictory session is scheduled to be attended by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, as the Chief Guest.

Avinash Sagar