LUCKNOW, JAN 12    :    Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for fostering a favourable sports environment in the country through initiatives such as Khelo India, Fit India and Sansad Khel Maha Kumbh.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the Sansad Khel and Lok Kala Maha Kumbh organised at Mahant Avaidyanath Stadium in Jangal Kauria, the CM said, “To further enhance this environment and make it more spectacular, the state government is developing sports infrastructure in every village. The achievements of athletes are being complemented with substantial rewards, including monetary incentives, government jobs and all the facilities for sports.”

He said that about seven years ago the concept of sports infrastructure in UP seemed unimaginable. “However, presently, sports fields and open gyms are being set up in every village. Healthy competition in sports is taking place in every village. In the villages, sports kits have been distributed to 80,000 Yuvak Mangal Dal and Mahila Mangal Dal. Efforts are being made to connect panchayat secretariats in villages with optical fiber to provide all facilities to the youth,” he said.

Reflecting on the progress, Yogi said, “What was once just an idea has now materialised into reality. In Jangal Kauria, a stadium named after the Mahant Avaidyanath Maharaj has been equipped with all facilities for sports talents, along with an auditorium for local artists.”

Asserting that UP is the first state in the country to formulate a sports policy, he said, “Under this policy, the government has provided provisions for government jobs for athletes who win medals in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. In the recent Asian Games, the athlete Parul Chaudhary, who won a gold medal by surpassing a Chinese player, credited the state’s sports policy as the inspiration for her victory.”

The CM said that the belief of athletes in the sports policy is an achievement for us. “The government has announced a prize amount of Rs 6 crores for winning a gold medal in singles events at the Olympics. There is also a provision for cash awards for silver and bronze medals in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships. The state government is not only providing jobs to athletes but also rapidly advancing sports infrastructure,” he said.

Expressing best wishes for the bright future of all participants in the Sansad Khel Maha Kumbh, he said that for comprehensive development, youth should participate in sports and cultural programmes along with academics.

During the occasion, Yogi discussed the transformative changes brought about by development in Gorakhpur. “The city has witnessed remarkable infrastructure growth, including the inauguration of a fertilizer factory and the establishment of AIIMS. Additionally, the road from Jangal Kauria to Nepal is undergoing expansion from 4 lanes to 6 lanes. Various educational institutions, including inter colleges, polytechnics, and ITIs, have been established to meet the needs of the local people and youth,” he said.

He extended greetings and best wishes to everyone on Makar Sankranti (Khichdi) and urged people to understand their responsibility regarding the upcoming consecration ceremony on January 22.

The CM said that everyone should participate in the cleanliness campaign in every village and town from January 14. “On January 15, distribute khichdi among the needy. Commence the chanting of the name of Lord Ram in all temples from January 16,” he said.

He encouraged everyone to watch the live broadcast of the Ayodhya ceremony on January 22. “Post this event, arrangements will be made to facilitate the public, along with MPs and MLAs, for a grand darshan of Lord Ramlala in Ayodhya on a specific date,” he said.(UNI)