Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has highlighted the state government’s sports development initiatives and the achievements of women athletes on the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri, linking his administration’s approach to faith, development and cultural heritage.
In a message marking the occasion, Adityanath invoked Goddess Katyayani, worshipped on the sixth day of Navratri, describing her as a symbol of women’s courage, determination and strength. He also outlined what he described as changes in Uttar Pradesh’s sports ecosystem since 2017, including financial rewards for medal winners, recruitment opportunities for athletes and the expansion of sports infrastructure.
The Chief Minister shared his remarks on social media platform X, arguing that the state’s approach had shifted towards providing athletes with greater encouragement, recognition and opportunities.
Yogi Adityanath Cites Changes in Sports Opportunities Since 2017
Adityanath criticised the previous political administration in Uttar Pradesh, claiming that before 2017, insecurity, inadequate resources and limited opportunities had constrained young people’s sporting ambitions, particularly those of girls.
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He said sports facilities had been neglected and that talented athletes lacked sufficient opportunities to develop their abilities.
The Chief Minister contrasted that period with what he described as improvements over the past nine-and-a-half years, citing the expansion of sports facilities and measures intended to support athletes’ careers.
These assessments reflect the Chief Minister’s stated position on the state’s sports development record.
‘Bring a Medal, Get a Job’ Policy Offers Direct Recruitment
One of the initiatives highlighted by Adityanath was the state’s ‘Bring a Medal, Get a Job’ policy, under which eligible sportspersons can receive direct recruitment opportunities in government service.
He also referred to financial rewards for athletes who win medals at major international competitions, including the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
Key measures highlighted by the Chief Minister include:
- Cash incentives: Financial rewards for medal-winning athletes at major international sporting events.
- Direct recruitment: Employment opportunities for eligible athletes under the ‘Medal Bring, Get a Job’ policy.
- Sports infrastructure: Development of facilities at village, block, district and divisional levels.
- Athlete development: Support intended to help sportspersons improve their performance and pursue sporting careers.
The government has presented these measures as part of its efforts to encourage sporting talent and recognise athletes’ achievements.
Women Athletes from Uttar Pradesh Earn Recognition
Adityanath cited several women athletes whose performances at international competitions have brought recognition to India and Uttar Pradesh.
The athletes and their sporting disciplines highlighted in his message include:
- Parul Chaudhary: Athletics
- Priyanka Goswami: Athletics
- Prachi Chaudhary: Athletics
- Annu Rani: Athletics
- Asmita Dey: Judo
- Deepti Sharma: Cricket
- Meghna Singh: Cricket
- Vandana Katariya: Hockey
- Divya Kakran: Wrestling
The Chief Minister referred to their performances at Commonwealth and Asian Games competitions as examples of women’s achievements in sport.
Their inclusion in the message underscored his emphasis on recognising athletes’ contributions and encouraging more women to participate in competitive sports.
Sports Infrastructure Expanded from Villages to Universities
The Chief Minister also highlighted the range of sports facilities that have been developed or promoted across Uttar Pradesh.
According to his statement, the state’s sports infrastructure includes facilities at different administrative levels, intended to provide athletes with opportunities to train closer to home and progress towards higher levels of competition.
The infrastructure highlighted includes:
- Village-level sports grounds
- Block-level mini stadiums
- District-level stadiums
- Divisional sports colleges
- Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut
The university is among the institutions cited by the state government in its efforts to strengthen sports education and training.
Adityanath said these facilities were helping provide girls with opportunities to develop their sporting abilities.
Goddess Katyayani and the Message of Women’s Empowerment
Marking the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri, Adityanath described Goddess Katyayani as a symbol of courage, resolve and strength.
He connected the religious significance of the occasion with his message on women’s empowerment, focusing on access to sports, recognition for achievements and opportunities for professional advancement.
The Chief Minister also observes fasts during Sharadiya and Chaitra Navratri and has performed Kalash Sthapana at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur and Devi Patan Dham in Balrampur, according to the supplied report.
His Navratri message brought together religious symbolism and the state government’s stated priorities on sports development, women’s participation and athlete welfare.
UP Government Emphasises Recognition and Support for Athletes
Concluding his message, Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh had undergone changes in sports development over the past nine-and-a-half years, highlighting improved security, greater encouragement for athletes and the expansion of facilities.
His remarks placed particular emphasis on opportunities for women athletes through recruitment policies, financial incentives and access to sports infrastructure.
The claims form part of the state government’s broader account of its efforts to promote sports and recognise the achievements of athletes from Uttar Pradesh.
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