“Sports is far more than medals and podium finishes — it is a powerful catalyst for shaping character, leadership, discipline, and social responsibility among the youth,” Odisha Governor Dr Haribabu Kambhampati said while inaugurating the two-day State-Level Chintan Shivir 2026 on Saturday.
Organised by the Sports and Youth Services Department of the Odisha Government, the high-level workshop brought together policymakers, administrators, Olympians, sports scientists, and industry leaders to chart the future of sports in the state.
In his inaugural address, the Governor stressed that sports must be nurtured at the grassroots level using cutting-edge sports science and technology. “We need to create more opportunities so that every young athlete can realise their full potential,” he said, urging greater youth participation and institutional strengthening.
Describing the Chintan Shivir as much more than a routine event, Dr Kambhampati called it “a dynamic platform that integrates experience, expertise, and fresh ideas to build stronger institutions and ensure continuous improvement.” He added that excellence is never a final destination but an ongoing journey: “True success comes to those who keep learning from experience, eliminate mistakes, and embrace new thinking.”
The Governor praised Odisha’s remarkable transformation into a leading sports destination, crediting sustained investment in infrastructure, grassroots talent development, and the successful hosting of major national and international events. He congratulated Higher Education, Culture, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj and his team for organising the forward-looking initiative.
Also present on the dais were World Athletics Vice President Adille Sumariwala, Hockey India President Padma Shri Dilip Tirkey, Swimming Federation of India General Secretary Monal Choksi, and Padma Shri Deepa Malik.
Sports and Youth Services Commissioner-cum-Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia delivered the welcome address, while Minister Suryabanshi Suraj also spoke on the occasion.
The Governor expressed confidence that the two-day deliberations would produce actionable recommendations to further elevate sports and youth development across Odisha.
