Bhubaneswar's Innovative Stadium Transformation From Tracks To Beaches

Multidisciplinary collaborations in sports infrastructure are trending currently, evidenced by examples of AI smart stadiums like SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, showing the capacity of next-generation sports infrastructure to be cast into other roles as well.

A similar collaboration was seen at the FIVB Beach Pro Tour Challenge 2026.The international volleyball championship held at Dutee Chand Athletics Stadium within the KIIT, Bhubaneshwar campus caught attention for its unique infrastructural design.

The stadium was converted into several beach grounds for the event, thereby demonstrating the flexibility of modern sports infrastructure, which can be molded as needed to accommodate multidisciplinary sports.

In order to host the international event, the stadium was divided into 4 courts with their bases covered with processed beach sand. Along with this, two adjacent warm-up courts were constructed for practice sessions. The court's turf was built with an estimated 250 trucks' worth of processed sand to make the facility international standards compliant.The infrastructural modifications managed a massive participation from 52 countries sending 82 international teams. The facility accommodated 165-plus elite athletes.

“Our aim is that when the event returns, an Indian team should win a medal here. We also want more Indian teams to participate regularly at the international level. Maybe after some years, we can even have an Indian team in beach volleyball at the Olympics,” added the director general.

The Orissa government is actively upgrading its sports infrastructure scenario through declarations like the construction of 22 hockey centers along 17 blocks of the Sundargarh district, along with hosting international events like the FIFA Under-17 Women's World Cup.