December 12th 2024.
On a sunny Thursday in Bhubaneswar, the vibrant city of Odisha, a new chapter in the world of badminton was unveiled. The grand Kalinga Stadium, a renowned sporting venue, was the site chosen for the inauguration of the Badminton High Performance Centre (HPC). The ceremony was graced by the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also holds the title of President of the Badminton Association of India. The esteemed Pullela Gopichand, India's chief national coach, was also present for the occasion.
This state-of-the-art facility is a result of a collaboration between the Odisha government, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, and Dalmia Bharat Group. The grand project, built at a cost of Rs 75 crore, is spread across 3 acres of land provided by the state government. Dalmia Bharat Group took charge of constructing the infrastructure, while PGBF will lend their technical expertise to the HPC.
The Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, as the HPC is named, boasts of an impressive 77,000 sq ft indoor area. It houses eight badminton courts and can accommodate up to 400 spectators. Moreover, it offers residential facilities for 50 players, a well-equipped gymnasium, and even an amphitheatre for outdoor activities. Chief Minister Majhi expressed his excitement for the centre, stating that it will provide world-class training and coaching under the direct supervision of Gopichand. He also hopes that the facility will attract national and international badminton tournaments, inspiring young players in the state.
Sarma, on the other hand, sees the HPC as a stepping stone for Indian players to dominate the global badminton arena. He envisions having similar centres of excellence in every state to provide the best training to budding shuttlers. Gopichand, an integral part of India's badminton success, believes that the HPC's unique design and top-notch amenities will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the sport in the country.
Puneet Dalmia, the Managing Director of Dalmia Bharat Group, expressed his gratitude towards the chief ministers of Odisha and Assam for their support in making this project a reality. He also acknowledged Sarma's role as President of the Badminton Association of India in their success and hopes to reach greater heights in the future. He further stated that Dalmia Bharat has always been a part of Odisha's illustrious journey and is delighted to present the people with yet another iconic facility. He hopes that the HPC will become a major part of the competitive circuit, attracting national and international professionals.
Amidst all the excitement, Gopichand also found time to meet with the Leader of Opposition, Naveen Patnaik, at his residence. Patnaik, a former Chief Minister, had laid the foundation stone for the HPC in 2018. In a post on social media, he shared his pleasure in meeting the legend himself and thanked him for his appreciation of Odisha's robust sports ecosystem. He also acknowledged their partnership in setting up the Dalmia Bharat Gopichand Badminton Academy and believes that the HPC will help groom future champions from the state.
The academy's design is inspired by a shuttlecock and incorporates rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge and energy-efficient LED lighting. With such impressive features and a strong vision, the Badminton HPC is sure to nurture and produce champions who will bring laurels to the state of Odisha.
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