Odisha's Game-Changing Initiative: The Shuttle High-Performance Centre at Kalinga Stadium

Odisha's Game-Changing Initiative: The Shuttle High-Performance Centre at Kalinga Stadium

A momentous event unfolded in Bhubaneswar on December 12, 2024, as Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the much-anticipated badminton High-Performance Centre (HPC), known as ‘Shuttle,’ at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. This state-of-the-art facility promises to become a game-changer for the sport of badminton in the region and the country.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is also the president of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), and the legendary badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand. Their presence marked a significant milestone for the sport, as the centre is poised to elevate India’s badminton standards to new heights.

Speaking at the event, Chief Minister Majhi expressed his optimism for the future of badminton in Odisha. He emphasized that the Shuttle HPC is not just a training ground for budding athletes but also an infrastructure development that would put Odisha on the international sports map. “This facility will not only produce world-class badminton players but will also create a platform to host national and international tournaments,” he said. His words echoed the state's ambitious vision to nurture future champions and attract global attention to the region’s growing sporting culture.

The Shuttle High-Performance Centre is the result of a collaboration between the Odisha state government, the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, and the Dalmia Bharat Group. It is spread across an impressive 77,000 square feet, designed with cutting-edge infrastructure that includes eight air-conditioned badminton courts and a seating capacity for up to 400 spectators. The centre features a unique shuttle-shaped architecture, adding to its allure as a world-class sports hub.

One of the standout features of this centre is the 200-seat amphitheater, making it an ideal venue for both training and hosting major events. The design also allows the centre to accommodate 36 players simultaneously, ensuring ample space for intensive training and skill development. In addition, the Shuttle HPC will provide boarding facilities for young players, offering a conducive environment for their growth both on and off the court.

Sports Minister, Suraj Suryabanshi highlighted the centre’s significance, noting that it is the first of its kind in the world to be shaped like a shuttlecock. He emphasized that this facility will serve as a feeder centre, not only nurturing young talents from Odisha but from across India as well. “The potential and scope for badminton in our state are immense, and this infrastructure will provide a strong foundation for young athletes to hone their skills,” Suraj said.

The inauguration also marked the continuation of Odisha's commitment to fostering world-class sports infrastructure. Recently, the state hosted the BWF 100 tournament, which attracted players from over 20 countries. Seven players from Odisha participated in the event, and the state’s leadership is determined to see more local talent in international arenas. With the Shuttle HPC now in operation, there are high hopes that the number of players from Odisha competing in such prestigious events will grow in the coming years.

The establishment of the Shuttle High-Performance Centre is a testament to the state's dedication to promoting sports and creating opportunities for athletes to shine on the global stage. It reflects Odisha’s belief in the transformative power of sports to inspire, uplift, and bring pride to the state. As the centre begins its operations and nurtures young players, it holds the promise of shaping the future of Indian badminton and producing champions who can compete at the highest levels.