BHUBANESWAR: India's newest world-class badminton facility, designed in the shape of a shuttlecock, opened its doors in Bhubaneswar, marking a significant milestone in the country's sporting infrastructure.
The Rs 75-crore High Performance Centre (HPC), officially named the ‘Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy’' was jointly inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Badminton Association of India President Himanta Biswa Sarma at the Kalinga Stadium complex on Dec 12.
“This centre will take badminton in India to a new high,” said CM Majhi during the inauguration ceremony.
The facility, a collaborative venture between the Odisha government, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation, and Dalmia Bharat Group, took four years to complete. The architectural marvel boasts 77,000 square feet of indoor space, featuring eight courts with seating for 400 spectators. Modern amenities include residential facilities for 50 players, a state-of-the-art gymnasium, and an amphitheater for outdoor activities.
A unique viewing ring on the terrace offers a 360-degree panoramic view of Bhubaneswar. Doubles specialist Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, present at the inauguration, expressed his amazement at the facility.
“I have never seen such a HPC for Badminton, even in China. The shuttlecock design is unique worldwide,” he remarked. Chief national coach Gopichand emphasized the center’s potential impact: “This revolutionary facility, with its unique design and state-ofthe-art amenities, will play a crucial role in shaping Indian badminton's future.”
Puneet Dalmia, managing director of Dalmia Bharat, expressed hope that the venue would become a major part of the competitive circuit, attracting both national and international professionals.
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