Sambalpur, June 6 -- Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday announced a financial sanction of Rs 15 crore for the development of the Sambalpur Football Academy, reaffirming the state government's commitment to strengthening grassroots football and creating world-class training infrastructure for young players.

During his visit to the academy, the Chief Minister, accompanied by Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, participated in the planting of grass seeds as part of efforts to develop a high-quality football ground for aspiring footballers in the region.

As part of the ambitious infrastructure plan, the academy will be equipped with three FIFA-standard football fields and two modern futsal grounds. The proposed facilities ar...