Spanning an impressive area of 77,000 square feet, the Shuttle is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to badminton
OdishaPlus Bureau
On Thursday, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, alongside Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, officially opened a high-performance center (HPC) dedicated to badminton at Kalinga Stadium. This facility, established through a tripartite partnership involving the state of Odisha, the Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation (PGBF), and the Dalmia Bharat Group, will be named the ‘Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy.’
The Dalmia Bharat Group invested approximately Rs 75 crore in the development of the high-performance center, which took four years to complete. Official sources indicate that the construction is an architectural marvel, showcasing an innovative design inspired by a shuttlecock, marking a first in India.
Spanning an impressive area of 77,000 square feet, the Shuttle is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the sport of badminton. It boasts eight air-conditioned badminton courts, providing athletes with optimal playing conditions year-round. With a seating capacity for up to 400 spectators, the venue is well-equipped to host a variety of events, from local tournaments to larger competitions, ensuring that fans can enjoy the excitement of the game in comfort.
At the heart of the facility lies the badminton High-Performance Center, which is uniquely designed in the shape of a shuttlecock, symbolizing the essence of the sport. This innovative design not only serves an aesthetic purpose but also enhances the functionality of the space.
The center features a 200-seat amphitheater, making it an ideal location for workshops, seminars, and presentations related to badminton training and development. Additionally, the center is capable of accommodating as many as 36 players at the same time, allowing for intensive training sessions and skill development.
The academy’s architectural design draws inspiration from the shuttlecock, reflecting a commitment to both form and function. Beyond its sporting facilities, the Shuttle incorporates sustainable practices, including advanced systems for rainwater harvesting. This initiative promotes groundwater recharge, contributing to environmental conservation and responsible water management.
Furthermore, the facility is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, reducing energy consumption and minimizing its carbon footprint. The Shuttle stands as a beacon of modern sports infrastructure, combining cutting-edge design with a strong emphasis on sustainability and community engagement. Initially, 50 talented badminton players will be imparted training at the high-performance center.
Biswa Sarma, President of the Badminton Association of India (BAI), expressed, “The establishment of this High-Performance Center (HPC) has been a long-held aspiration of BAI. I am optimistic that Odisha will emerge as a leader in badminton within the nation shortly.”
Puneet Dalmia, managing director of Dalmia Bharat, remarked, “We are thrilled to provide the residents of the state with a remarkable facility that will cultivate future champions.” Majhi announced that a state-of-the-art multipurpose stadium will be constructed at Gothapatna in the capital city, covering an area of 120 acres.
The Shuttle is poised to not only cultivate elite badminton players but also to elevate Odisha’s status on the global sports stage. It possesses the necessary infrastructure to accommodate both national and international badminton competitions.
Naveen Patnaik, the former Chief Minister, is remembered for having laid the foundation stone of the HPC in 2018. In a post on X, Patnaik expressed his pleasure in meeting the esteemed badminton player Pullela Gopichand. He extended his gratitude for Gopichand’s recognition of the strong sports ecosystem in #Odisha and their collaboration to establish the Dalmia Bharat Gopichand Badminton Academy.
Patnaik is confident that the Badminton High-Performance Center will nurture future champions from the region and contribute to the state’s achievements in sports.
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