LUCKNOW, SEPT 2 :  Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Monday that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, sports in India have witnessed remarkable growth over the past decade.

The CM said that the Khelo India initiative, championed by the Prime Minister, has been a key driver of this progress. He said that in line with the Indian Football Association’s goals, 1,000 football-specific playgrounds are also being developed.

While addressing the audience as the chief guest at the Mohun Bagan versus East Bengal football match held at KD Singh Babu Stadium under the Chief Minister’s Cup, he said that inspired by the PM’s vision, Uttar Pradesh has aligned itself with this mission, charting a new course by constructing playgrounds in all 57,000 Gram Panchayats across the state.

Yogi said that the state is developing mini stadiums in its 825 development blocks and full-scale stadiums in all 75 districts. He said that the Football Association envisions dedicating one stadium in every district and 18 divisions specifically for football, and the government fully supports this initiative to advance sports activities.

He said, “UP has made significant contributions to the world of sports. Legendary hockey players like Major Dhyan Chand and KD Singh Babu hail from the state, with the latter having this stadium named in his honour. UP has also made notable strides in football.”

The CM emphasised the government’s commitment to sports, revealing that over 500 athletes who have won medals in the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games, and World Championships have been directly recruited into government jobs. “This support will continue in the future,” he said.

He mentioned that two players from UP in the Indian hockey team have excelled in the Paris Olympics. “Last year, hockey player Lalit Kumar Upadhyay was appointed as Deputy SP of UP Police, and soon hockey player Raj Kumar Pal will also receive a direct appointment as Deputy SP of UP Police,” he said.

On this occasion, Minister Girish Yadav, Indian Football Association President Kalyan Chaubey, UP Krida Bharati President and Legislative Council Member Avnish Kumar Singh, former Legislative Council Member Mohsin Raza, and UP Sports Director Dr. RP Singh were present.(UNI)