CM Yogi Adityanath said that people in the country experienced a new sports culture.
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanathh said that a new sports culture has developed in the country in the last 10 years under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also mentioned that at present, various schemes are being run to promote sports and sportspersons, making sports infrastructure a part of the priority of the government.
CM Yogi Adityanath was speaking at the Times of India Sports Awards event, where he felicitated renowned sportspersons – Gukesh D (Chess), Manu Bhaker (Shooting), Kapil Dev (Cricket) and Suhas L.V .Y (Badminton). Expressing gratitude to the Times of India group, he said that the new generation has been inspired by honouring eminent sportspersons in Lucknow.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that when a player plays, he plays for the country, and his dedication, discipline and team spirit provide a new direction to the society. The investment made in sports does not go waste, but it is helpful in moving the younger generation in a positive direction. Today the thinking of looking at sports as a career is developing in the society.
CM Yogi Adityanath informed that a particular product has been selected in each district of Uttar Pradesh, in which Meerut has been selected for sports equipment manufacturing. The Sports Department has been directed to set up one sports college each in all the 18 divisions of the state in the first phase and connect them with sports universities. Good players will be appointed as coaches in these colleges so that the benefit of their experiences can be passed on to the younger generation.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that in the last eight years, the state government has made continuous efforts to strengthen the sports infrastructure. Playgrounds are being built in villages, open gyms are being set up, and more than 85,000 sports kits have been distributed to Yuvak Mangal Dal and Mahila Mangal Dal. Mini stadiums are being developed in all 826 development blocks of the state and a major stadium in every district.
CM Yogi Adityanath said that sports promotes a positive mindset and parents are now encouraging their children to pursue a career in sports. Players who participated in the Tokyo and Paris Olympics had the opportunity to be honoured in Uttar Pradesh, and for this the state government had made special budgetary arrangements. The first sports university of the state is being set up in Meerut, and an Arjuna awardee has been appointed as its first vice-chancellor.
CM Yogi Adityanath assured that the state government would work with full commitment to implement the suggestions given by the honoured sportspersons. He said that there is no dearth of funds for the development of sports and players, and the central and state governments are ready to provide all possible support in this direction.