Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday called upon universities and colleges to adopt at least one sport each and actively nurture sporting talent among students. He said sports promote discipline, healthy competition, and sportsmanship, which are essential for building a strong and progressive society.
The Chief Minister was addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Eastern Zone Inter-University Women’s Basketball Tournament at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University, where he attended as the chief guest.
Sports Keep Youth Away from Addiction
CM Yogi emphasized that increasing sports activities helps keep youth away from addiction and social evils. “When youth play, they flourish. This empowered youth will contribute significantly to achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047,” he said.
He highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is actively contributing to the national mission of building a developed India through sports. The state’s first Sports University has been established in Meerut, which has also emerged as a major hub for manufacturing sports equipment, now included under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme.
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New Sports Culture Under PM Modi’s Leadership
The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for ushering in a new sports culture across the country over the last 11 years. He said that before 2014, sports and athletes did not receive due attention and lacked world-class infrastructure, forcing many athletes to abandon their sporting careers.
“Under PM Modi’s leadership, initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India, and MP Sports Competitions have strengthened grassroots sports and provided platforms to talent from villages and small towns,” CM Yogi said, adding that the Prime Minister personally encourages athletes before and after major competitions.
Importance of Physical Fitness
Quoting the ancient Indian dictum ‘Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam’, CM Yogi said that a healthy body is essential for achieving all goals in life. He stressed the need for discipline, self-control, and regular sports activities to maintain physical and mental well-being, which in turn strengthens society and the nation.
He expressed satisfaction that families today encourage both boys and girls equally to pursue sports and arrange necessary resources to support their interest.
Expansion of Sports Infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh
CM Yogi said that the state government has significantly expanded sports infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh. Sports grounds and open gyms are being developed in every gram panchayat, mini stadiums at the block level, and full-fledged stadiums at the district level.
To integrate sports into daily life, the government has distributed sports kits to over 96,000 Yuva Mangal Dals and Mahila Mangal Dals across the state.
Major Incentives and Government Jobs for Athletes
Highlighting government incentives, CM Yogi said Olympic participants from Uttar Pradesh receive ₹10 lakh. Olympic gold medalists in individual events are awarded ₹6 crore along with a Class-I government job, while gold medalists in team events receive ₹3 crore. Silver medalists in individual events are awarded ₹3 crore, and bronze medalists, along with medal winners at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, also receive substantial cash rewards.
He added that the state government has so far provided direct government jobs to more than 500 medal-winning athletes, including appointments as Deputy SPs, Tehsildars, and Regional Sports Officers.
Preparing for Commonwealth Games and Olympics
The Chief Minister urged athletes and states to begin preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat and India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games. He stressed the need for focused training to increase India’s medal tally at global sporting events.
Warm Welcome to Women Basketball Players
CM Yogi welcomed women basketball players from 31 universities across 14 states to the sacred land of Guru Gorakhnath. He highlighted Gorakhpur’s rich spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage, referring to institutions like Gita Press, the Chauri Chaura movement, freedom fighters such as Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil, and literary icon Munshi Premchand.
During the event, the Chief Minister released the sports souvenir of Gorakhpur University Sports Council.
Tournament Inauguration and Match Interaction
Before the stage program, CM Yogi formally inaugurated the tournament by releasing balloons, cutting the ribbon, and tossing a basketball on the court. He interacted with players from Gorakhpur University and Shaheed Nandkumar Patel University, Raigarh, and later watched the first half of the match, encouraging players with applause.
Sports Strengthen National Consciousness: Vice-Chancellor
Welcoming the Chief Minister, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Poonam Tandon said sports strengthen national consciousness and serve as a medium of cultural harmony and social awareness. She noted that the tournament provides a platform for emerging talent and promotes national unity.
Several dignitaries, including the Mayor, MLAs, MLCs, BJP leaders, university officials, and sports council members, were present at the event.
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