Lucknow – The grand finale of the Uttar Pradesh T20 League was held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium on Saturday, where Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the much-anticipated clash between Kashi Rudras and Meerut Mavericks by ringing the ceremonial bell and tossing the coin with the help of robot ‘Chulbul’.
The stadium reverberated with chants of “Yogi-Yogi” as the CM interacted with both teams, posed with the trophy, and encouraged the staff involved in the preparations. Accompanied by BCCI officials, ministers, and senior bureaucrats, CM Yogi enjoyed the high-voltage encounter that drew thousands of enthusiastic fans.
Addressing the occasion, the Chief Minister said the UP T20 League was an excellent platform for young talent. He added that the government is committed to promoting sports by building new infrastructure across the state. “From villages to blocks and districts, stadiums are being developed. A sports university and international-standard facilities are coming up in Meerut, while major projects are underway in Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi, where 70% of the international stadium’s construction is complete,” he noted.
Highlighting the state’s sports policy, CM Yogi said retired players are being appointed as coaches to mentor emerging athletes. He urged the BCCI to allot at least two teams to Uttar Pradesh, given its 25 crore population, so that more local players get opportunities at the highest level.
The event was graced by BCCI Vice-President and Rajya Sabha MP Rajeev Shukla, who felicitated the CM with a shawl, UP T20 League Chairman Dr. D.M. Chauhan, Cabinet Minister Swatantra Dev Singh, and several dignitaries.
