Sports University and International Stadium Planned for North Bengal

The West Bengal government has announced a major push for sports infrastructure and athlete development in its 2026-27 Budget, unveiling plans to establish a Sports University and construct an international-standard stadium in North Bengal. The proposals were presented by Finance Minister Dr. Swapan Dasgupta in the State Assembly as part of the BJP government’s first full Budget after coming to power in the state.

A key highlight of the Budget is the decision to set up a dedicated Sports University in North Bengal. The institution is expected to serve as a centre for sports education, training, research and talent development. According to the government, the university will offer opportunities in sports science, coaching, sports management, physiotherapy and related disciplines, helping young athletes pursue professional careers both on and off the field.

The government has also proposed the construction of a modern international-standard stadium in North Bengal. The stadium is expected to host national and international sporting events and provide world-class facilities for training and competition. Officials believe the project will help transform the region into a major sporting hub while reducing the concentration of top-level sports infrastructure in Kolkata.

Finance Minister Dasgupta stated that North Bengal has been identified as a priority area for development, and investment in sports infrastructure will play an important role in promoting balanced regional growth. The government hopes the new facilities will encourage greater participation in sports among young people and help identify promising talent from districts that have traditionally lacked access to advanced training centres.

Apart from the two flagship projects, the Budget includes provisions for upgrading existing sports facilities across the state. The government plans to strengthen grassroots sports programmes, improve coaching facilities and expand opportunities for athletes competing at state and national levels.

The sports initiatives form part of a broader development strategy that also focuses on employment generation, welfare measures and infrastructure expansion. Officials said better sports infrastructure could create new opportunities in sports tourism, event management and related industries while enhancing West Bengal’s profile as a destination for major sporting events.