Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Jharsuguda Hockey Infrastructure Boosted by Land Lease Allotment
Jharsuguda is a place in India where lots of children and young people love to play hockey.
The government has given the local hockey club a big piece of land — almost five acres — to build a proper home for the sport.
On this land, they will build a small hockey stadium, places for fans to watch, offices, and even a hostel where players can stay.
A very important leader named Suresh Pujari helped get the land approved.
A few years ago, he and another leader got a big grant of 10 crore rupees to build a hockey stadium.
There were some delays, but the grass for the field is now installed.
More than 1,200 players are registered to play hockey in Jharsuguda today, which is a lot!
Every year, 96 boys and girls compete in state championships, and the hockey club has given equipment to 35 schools so more kids can learn the sport.
With a new Khelo India Hockey Centre approved, hockey in Jharsuguda is set to grow even more.
The Jharsuguda Hockey Association received a 4.8-acre land lease at H-Katapali for a new sports complex.
The planned complex includes a 5-a-side hockey stadium, spectator galleries, an office building, and a players' hostel.
State Minister Suresh Pujari was credited with fast-tracking the project after earlier administrative delays.
A Rs 10 crore District Mineral Fund grant for the stadium was secured in 2022, and turf installation has been completed.
Jharsuguda has over 1,200 registered hockey players and has secured approval for a Khelo India Hockey Centre.
- Who
- Jharsuguda District Sports Officer Amrit Acharya received the land lease on behalf of the Hockey Association, while State Minister Suresh Pujari helped secure the allocation.
- What
- A 4.8-acre land lease at H-Katapali for a hockey sports complex featuring a stadium, spectator galleries, an office building, and a players' hostel.
- When
- Exact date not specified; the land lease follows a successful application over the past year, building on a Rs 10 crore grant secured in 2022.
- Where
- H-Katapali, Jharsuguda district, Odisha, India.
- Why
- To develop sports infrastructure and support Jharsuguda's thriving hockey ecosystem of over 1,200 registered players.
- Leased land
- 4.8 acres at H-Katapali
- Facilities
- 5-a-side hockey stadium, spectator galleries, office building, players' hostel
- Funding
- Rs 10 crore District Mineral Fund grant (2022)
- Registered players
- 1,200+
- State championship participants
- 96 players per year across sub-junior, junior, and senior categories
- Schools receiving equipment
- 35 schools via CSR funds
- Elite talent
- Six players represented Odisha in State-level school competition over four years
- Khelo India Hockey Centre
- Approved for the district