Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent, announcing an ambitious plan to expand sports infrastructure from village to district level across the state. He said every gram panchayat will have a playground, mini stadiums will be developed at block level, and large stadiums will be constructed in each district.
Addressing the prize distribution ceremony of the MLA Khel Spardha–2025 at Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College in Gorakhpur, the Chief Minister said sports play a vital role in building a healthy society and a strong nation.
International Stadium Planned for Gorakhpur
CM Yogi announced that an international stadium will be built in the Belipar area of Gorakhpur. He also informed that the regional stadium in Gorakhpur is being renovated at a cost of ₹63 crore, while a modern stadium with advanced facilities is under construction at the Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College.
Sports University in Meerut Begins Academic Session
Highlighting major developments in sports education, the Chief Minister said the academic session of the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut has already commenced. Built to world-class standards, the university is expected to become a hub for professional sports training. He added that the government’s next goal is to establish sports colleges at every divisional headquarters.
Institutions Encouraged to Adopt Sports Disciplines
CM Yogi said he would soon hold meetings with institutions in Gorakhpur, urging them to adopt one sport each. He assured full government support, including funding assistance and the deployment of qualified coaches, to provide young players with better platforms to excel.
Sports Competitions to Expand Beyond Students
Sharing future plans, the Chief Minister announced that upcoming editions of the MLA Khel Spardha would include working professionals and retired citizens, in addition to children and students. Competitions will begin at ward level and progress to city and suburban levels, with winners being honoured at grand ceremonies.
Three-Tier Competitions for Students
CM Yogi said that sports competitions for students will be held at three levels—basic, secondary, and higher education—for both boys and girls. Similar initiatives will be launched in the cultural sphere in Gorakhpur.
Cultural Events in January, Winners to Be Honoured at Gorakhpur Mahotsav
Competitions in singing, instrumental music, dance, and theatre will be organised in the first week of January. Winners will be felicitated during the main Gorakhpur Mahotsav event scheduled from January 11 to 13.
“If Youth Plays, the Nation Progresses”: CM Yogi
Emphasising the importance of sports, CM Yogi said, “If the youth plays, the nation prospers.” He noted that a healthy body is essential to achieving the vision of a developed India, adding that sports and yoga are among the most effective ways to maintain physical well-being.
Major Transformation in Sports Over the Last 11 Years
The Chief Minister said India has witnessed a significant transformation in sports over the past 11 years, with improved performance in kabaddi, hockey, badminton, and athletics. India’s growing presence in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships reflects this progress, he added.
Strong Participation Despite Harsh Cold Weather
Praising the enthusiasm of players despite severe cold conditions, CM Yogi said around 1,000 athletes participated directly, while over 10,000 were involved indirectly in the MLA Khel Spardha–2025. Competitions were held in athletics, kabaddi, volleyball, judo, and wrestling.
Ministers Applaud Government’s Sports Vision
Fisheries Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad said that under CM Yogi’s leadership, players are being given equal opportunities without discrimination. Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Girish Chandra Yadav termed the ongoing expansion of sports infrastructure as historic.
MP Ravi Kishan Shukla said CM Yogi is translating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Khelega India, Badhega India” into reality, citing the proposed international stadium in Gorakhpur as a major example.
CM Witnesses Finals, Honours Winners
During the closing ceremony, CM Yogi watched the wrestling (74 kg category) and kabaddi finals, boosting the morale of athletes. Winners, including senior wrestling champion Shubham Yadav, runner-up Anurag Yadav, and the senior kabaddi champion team from the Regional Sports Stadium, were honoured.
