Bhubaneswar: The state government has spent around Rs 32.27 crore to organise national and international events at Kalinga Stadium in the past two years.

The government spent Rs 12.63 crore and Rs 62.36 crore to develop stadium infrastructure for national and international events, respectively.

Sports and youth affairs minister Chandra Sarathi Behera said: 'The state government has spent nearly Rs 8.80 crore for advertisement, branding and event promotion. For accommodation of players, officials and other staff members, it has spent Rs 6.47 crore. Similarly, for event management, the state government has spent nearly Rs 8.73 crore."

It also spent around Rs 46 lakh in 2016-17 and Rs 2.16 crore the following year to improve and maintain the stadium lawn.

Kalinga Stadium has hosted a number of events, including the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship and the Men's Hockey World League in the past two years. It also hosted its first Indian Super League match last month and a ranking tennis tournament.

Outgoing governor S.C. Jamir, in his last speech to the Assembly, had appreciated the government for managing to organise the Asian Athletics Championship in just 90 days.

Jamir said: "Odisha, the best kept secret of India, is now gradually unleashing its potential in sports and youth services. The capital city is emerging as the sports capital of the country. World class infrastructure was created in 90 days which resulted in stupendous and successful hosting of the 22nd Asian Athletics Championship."

"The crowing glory was the final edition of Hockey World League final at Bhubaneswar and now the state has come forward to sponsor both the men's and women's international hockey team for five years. The Kalinga Stadium is getting prepared to host the Men's Hockey World Cup, 2018," he said.