Odisha has already grown up as the country's one of the key sports hubs. The state government, following encouragement and initiative, is promoting hockey, athletics, and football in a significant manner. Now the time has come for badminton.

In association with Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, the state government is going to introduce a world-class high-performance center for badminton within the premises of Kalinga Stadium. The academy building is more than five-storied in height and the shape of this building will look like a shuttle cock. Eight to 10 badminton courts along with ultra-modern training equipment have already been installed. The total project is costing nearly Rs 30 crores and Dalmiya Bharat Group of Industries has come up with financial assistance. 

The foundation was laid by state chief minister Naveen Patnaik on 25th February 2019 and the Academy, named Dalmiya Bharat Gopichand Academy (DBGA) is likely to start its journey in May-June this year.

Gopichand could not be contacted for his comments. However, Nileen Kumar, Odisha Badminton Association (OBA) when asked about the project divulged, "According to plans, 35 to 40 selected shuttle players will start training at this academy initially and considering the discussions with Gopichand so far, OBA will start grass route programs. We are going to have new multi-court 89 indoor halls. We will nurture potential kids and Gopichand will select from them for his academy. A model has also been constructed which says among the selected players training at DGBA, 30 percent will be from this state."

Incidentally, sources close to the Odisha sports ministry revealed on condition of anonymity that the state government has instructed OBA to first prepare at least 250 qualified coaches before starting their grass route programs. 

It is believed that the badminton coaches from Odisha will go to Gopichand Badminton Academy, Hyderabad to complete coaches' training. However, OBA is going to start the coaches' training program separately. 

Nileen Kumar added, "We have around 60 badminton coaches throughout the state. But they have to be qualified as a coach. So, the process will start soon and I feel Gopichand's association is going to give a big boost for Odisha badminton in near future."