Bhubaneswar, known for its vibrant sports culture, has added another feather to its cap with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Badminton High Performance Centre (HPC) at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. Built at an impressive cost of Rs 75 crore, the facility, named Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, was unveiled by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who also serves as the President of the Badminton Association of India (BAI). Renowned national coach Pullela Gopichand joined the event, marking a significant milestone in India’s badminton journey.
A Collaborative Effort
The HPC is a testament to the power of collaboration, involving the Odisha government, the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation (PGBF), and the Dalmia Bharat Group. While the state government allocated 3 acres of prime land at Kalinga Stadium, Dalmia Bharat Group financed the infrastructure, and PGBF provided the technical expertise.
The academy’s shuttlecock-inspired design integrates modern sustainability features such as rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting. This seven-storey facility boasts an indoor area of 77,000 sq ft with eight air-conditioned badminton courts, a seating capacity for 400 spectators, and residential amenities for 50 budding players. Additional facilities include a gymnasium and an amphitheatre for outdoor activities, ensuring holistic development for athletes.
Visionaries Speak
Chief Minister Majhi expressed his optimism for the academy, stating, “The centre will provide world-class training under the supervision of Pullela Gopichand and inspire young players in the state.” Assam CM Sarma emphasized the academy’s potential to help Indian players dominate the global badminton stage, advocating for similar centers in every state.
Pullela Gopichand highlighted the academy’s unique design and advanced amenities, noting its critical role in nurturing India’s future badminton stars. Dalmia Bharat’s MD, Puneet Dalmia, shared an ambitious vision, confidently predicting an Olympic gold medallist emerging from this academy by 2036.
Driving Excellence in Indian Badminton
The academy’s inauguration reflects Odisha’s growing reputation as a hub for sports development. Former Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik, who laid the foundation stone for the facility in 2018, applauded the partnership on social media, describing it as a step towards grooming future champions.
Sarma, meanwhile, shed light on the challenges badminton faces in India. Despite earning three Olympic medals, the sport lags behind cricket, football, and hockey in terms of sponsorship and government support. Sarma urged other state governments to invest more in badminton to bridge this gap and expand its footprint.
Aiming for Glory
The academy’s launch marks a promising chapter for Indian badminton. With its world-class facilities, innovative design, and the combined efforts of government, private enterprise, and sporting professionals, the HPC stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring shuttlers.
The Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy is more than just an infrastructure project; it symbolizes India’s commitment to excelling on the global badminton stage. As Odisha continues to lead by example in sports development, this landmark initiative will inspire a generation of athletes to dream big and bring glory to the nation.
