UP CM Yogi Adityanath inaugurates Eastern Region Women’s Basketball Championship, promoting sports culture, infrastructure, and athlete incentives.

The formal inauguration of the Eastern Region Inter-University Women’s Basketball competition at Deendayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University concluded on January 16, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath serving as the chief guest. The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of universities and colleges encouraging students to focus on a single sport and nurture their talent. He stated that promoting healthy competition through sports strengthens discipline and sportsmanship, keeps youth away from drugs, and contributes to building a prosperous India. “If the youth engage in sports, they will flourish and play a significant role in realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047,” he added.

First sports university in Uttar Pradesh established in Meerut

CM Yogi highlighted the state’s efforts to advance India’s development through sports, noting that the first sports university in Uttar Pradesh has been established in Meerut. The city also produces a variety of sports equipment, which has been recognized under the government’s ODOP initiative. He stressed that a healthy body is essential for all aspects of life, quoting the ancient Indian tradition, “Shariradyan Khalu Dharmasadhanam,” which underscores the importance of physical well-being.

Also read: Yogi Adityanath Urges UP Schools and Universities to Promote Sports Culture

The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that sports have become a part of family life, with parents now supporting their children—sons and daughters alike—in pursuing games of their interest.

Expansion of sports infrastructure in UP

CM Yogi outlined the state’s efforts to expand sports infrastructure on a large scale. Sports grounds and open gyms are being constructed in every gram panchayat, mini stadiums at the block level, and larger stadiums at the district level. To promote active participation, the government has distributed sports kits to over 96,000 youth, including men’s and women’s groups.

Recognition and support for sportspersons

The Chief Minister highlighted various incentives for athletes, including Rs 10 lakh for state participants in the Olympics, Rs 6 crore for individual Olympic gold medallists along with a class-one government job, and Rs 3 crore for team gold medallists. Cash prizes are also awarded to medal winners in the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. To date, over 500 medal-winning athletes have been directly appointed to government positions such as Deputy SP, Tehsildar, and Regional Sports Officer.

Preparing for future global events

CM Yogi mentioned that the 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in Gujarat, urging athletes and states to prepare accordingly. He also noted India’s application to host the 2036 Olympic Games, highlighting the need for athletes to aim for more medals in both events.

Honoring Gorakhpur’s heritage

During his address, the Chief Minister welcomed and felicitated women basketball players from 14 states, praising Gorakhpur for its spiritual, cultural, and historical heritage. He highlighted the Chauri Chaura event in the freedom movement, the Gita Press as the world’s largest Vedic literature publishing center, and the district’s association with freedom fighters Amar Senani Pandit Ram Prasad Bismil and Bandhu Singh. He also described Gorakhpur as the karmabhoomi of the renowned novelist Munshi Premchand. During the event, he released the sports brochure of the Gorakhpur University Sports Council.

Inauguration of the competition

Before the stage program, CM Yogi officially inaugurated the competition by flying balloons, cutting the ribbon, and throwing the first ball on the basketball court. He interacted with players from Gorakhpur University and Shaheed Nandkumar Patel University, Raigarh. After the program, he watched the first half of a match and cheered the athletes enthusiastically.