Jhansi: From the historic land of Jhansi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath delivered a powerful message of self-reliance and success to athletes, declaring that sports have now become a strong medium of building an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Speaking at the 36th Regional Sports Meet organised by Vidya Bharati Poorvi Uttar Pradesh, he said, “A healthy body is the foundation of religion and nation-building.”
During the event, the Chief Minister announced the construction of a mini stadium at Bhani Devi Goyal Saraswati Vidya Mandir Inter College, stating that sports are no longer just entertainment but a transformative force in life.
Praising Vidya Bharati, founded in 1952 by Nanaji Deshmukh, Yogi Adityanath said the organisation now runs over 25,000 educational centres, promoting Indian culture and nationalism without government aid.
He added that the state government is motivating players through cash incentives as well as government jobs, making sports a viable career. “Uttar Pradesh is no longer a BIMARU state but the **second-largest economy of India,” he asserted.
Calling Jhansi the land of courage, culture and nationalism, he reminded the audience of Rani Lakshmibai’s heroism and said, “Above victory and defeat stands the spirit of the player.”
Cultural Splendour and Honours
The event also featured a mesmerizing Bundeli Rai dance performance. Outstanding players including Shilu Yadav, Aadesh Singh, Shahenshah, Basant Kumar Gola and Sandhya Rajput were honoured by the CM.
The discipline trophy was awarded to Gorakh Prant Rural team, while Kashi Prant Urban team won the overall championship trophy.
Vidya Bharati’s Sporting Achievements
CM Yogi highlighted the organisation’s stellar record:
* Recognised by School Games Federation of India in 2006
* Received Fair Play Award in 2010
* Won Swachhta Trophy (2016) and Medal Upgradation Award (2018)
* In 2019-20, Vidya Bharati athletes won 367 medals, ranking 6th nationally
* Produced Olympic and international medallists such as Padma Shri Sudha Singh, Nishad Kumar, Shaili Singh and Aadesh Singh
UP Leading in Sports Infrastructure & Jobs
Yogi Adityanath said the state has established a Sports University in Meerut in honour of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. He added that 500 players have already been given direct government jobs, and future recruitments will include DSP, Tehsildar, Law Officer and Sports Officer posts.
The government is building:
Playgrounds in every village
Mini stadiums at block level
Stadiums at district level
Open gyms in urban areas
Schemes like Khelo India, Fit India and MP Sports Competitions are boosting youth participation.
Attractive Incentives for Medal Winners
Olympic (Individual):
Gold Rs 6 crore | Silver Rs 4 crore | Bronze Rs 2 crore
Olympic (Team):
Gold Rs 3 crore | Silver Rs 2 crore | Bronze Rs 1 crore
Asian Games: Gold Rs 3 cr | Silver Rs 1.5 cr | Bronze Rs 75 lakh
Commonwealth Games: Gold Rs 1.5 cr | Silver Rs 75 lakh | Bronze Rs 50 lakh
World Championships: Gold Rs 1.5 cr | Silver Rs 75 lakh | Bronze Rs 50 lakh
National Games (Individual): Gold Rs 6 lakh | Silver Rs 4 lakh | Bronze Rs 2 lakh
National Games (Team): Gold Rs 2 lakh | Silver Rs 1 lakh | Bronze Rs 50,000
Additional benefits include **Rs 10 lakh for Olympic participants**, monthly assistance for awardees, and pensions of Rs4,000–Rs 10,000 for aged athletes.
“Sports Are Now a Path to Self-Reliance”
CM Yogi concluded, “Sports should no longer be seen as a waste of time or money. Today, they are a medium of self-reliance and inspiration. A player’s spirit—not just medals—leads them to success.”
He assured that the mini stadium at Bhani Devi Goyal Vidya Mandir will further enhance future sports events and congratulated the 450 participants from 49 districts, saying their determination is the real victory.
