Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday laid the foundation stone of India’s biggest international hockey stadium at Rourkela in Sundergarh district.
The state government has set a target to complete the construction of the stadium ahead of the men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2023.
Patnaik, who flew to Rourkela city in the tribal-dominated Sundargarh district, announced that the proposed international hockey stadium, with a seating capacity of more than 20,000 people, would be named after freedom fighter Birsa Munda.
“It would be the most modern field hockey facility in India. The stadium will be a new benchmark in global stadium design for hockey, offering one of the finest spectator experiences in the world,” said Patnaik.
The chief minister also laid the foundation stone of projects worth ₹5,000 crore, including the stadium.
The projects related to drinking water, irrigation, health services, roads and bridges, education, sanitation, livelihood initiatives, smart city development, infrastructure development, women and child care, clean environment, skill development, and sports infrastructure for Sundargarh district.
Recalling the contribution of former chief minister Biju Patnaik towards development of Rourkela, Patnaik said, “My fathers memories are visible in Rourkela Steel Plant as well as National Institute of Technology (NIT)”.
He also praised the women of Sundergarh for their contribution to the growth of “Mission Shakti” programme, a Self-Help Group (SHG) movement by the women.
The chief minister said, his government will urge the Centre for inclusion of Mundari and Ho languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
Odisha chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra had said that the proposed world-class hockey stadium will be developed within one year.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today also launched various infrastructure development projects worth Rs 4915 Crore, including the hockey stadium in Sundargarh district
