Odisha State Sports Hostel Scheme was launched in 1985. The objective of the scheme was to coach and train talented young boys & girls between age 10-14 to become sporting heroes national & international stature. These youths get selected for the hostels basing on their performances on a series of tests conducted by the Sports Department. The trainees are given a stipend of Rs. 2250/- per head per month. Along with it they are also provided with the sports kits, medicines, uniforms, beddings and fees for attending different National/International tournaments and coaching camp. At present there are 14 Sports Hostels and 3 Centers of Excellence in Odisha