Bhubaneshwar, Dec 12: ‘Shuttle by Dalmia Bharat’, a High-Performance Centre (HPC) dedicated to promoting excellence in badminton, was inaugurated today at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar by the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma in the presence of India’s Chief National Coach, Shri Pullela Gopichand and Shri. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director, Dalmia Bharat.
The HPC, a three-way collaboration among the state of Odisha, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Foundation (PGBF) and Dalmia Bharat Group, will be known as the ‘Dalmia Bharat Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy.’
Spanning an indoor area of 77,000 sq ft., housing eight badminton courts with a spectator capacity of 400 seats, the academy will utilize advanced sports amenities at the venue to promote holistic training and development of the young talent under the guidance of world-class coaches.
The iconic structure has modern residential facilities for 50 players, a gymnasium and an amphitheater for outdoor activities. A viewing ring on the terrace provides a unique 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
The construction is an architectural marvel, featuring a pioneering shuttlecock-inspired design, a first of its kind in India. The construction also showcases a commitment to sustainability, incorporating low carbon (green) cement, rainwater harvesting for groundwater recharge, and energy-efficient LED lighting.
Also, the distinctive inverted shell design minimizes the power consumption, contributing to its environmental responsibility. The aerodynamic circular shape allows a smoother wind flow, reducing the maximum wind pressure on the facade.
Underlining Dalmia Bharat’s commitment towards the promotion of sports and nurturing talent in India, Shri Puneet Dalmia, MD, Dalmia Bharat, said, they are grateful to the Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, and the Chief Minister of Assam, Shri Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma for their graceful presence today.
Himanta , as the President of Badminton Association of India, you have been a catalyst in our global badminton success, and we look forward to reaching even greater heights in the future.
Dalmia Bharat has always been an integral part of Odisha’s illustrious journey and today, we are delighted to present the people of the State with another iconic facility that will nurture the future champions.
They hope the venue will become a major part of the competitive circuit and draw international and national professionals. We are grateful to Shri Pullela Gopichand for his invaluable guidance and support in this effort.
Shri Pullela Gopichand shared, “I am excited to be part of this revolutionary journey, initiated by Dalmia Bharat and the Odisha government. The facility, with its unique design and state-of-the-art amenities, will play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian badminton.”
