Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated the state government’s unwavering commitment to developing sports infrastructure and encouraging athletes. Speaking at the prize distribution ceremony of the state-level Senior Prize Money Men’s Wrestling Competition held at Gorakhnath Temple on Nagpanchami, CM Yogi highlighted the significant progress made over the past eight years.
“On one hand, sports infrastructure has developed even at the rural level, and on the other, medal-winning athletes are being given substantial prize money along with the facility of government jobs,” CM Yogi stated. He emphasized that Uttar Pradesh is a leading state in the country when it comes to providing government jobs to players who bring honor to the nation and the state through sports at the international level.
Transformative Changes in Sports Under PM Modi’s Leadership
The Chief Minister noted the profound changes in sports and related activities across the country over the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. “In 2014, PM Modi announced ‘Khelo India,’ sensitizing youth and citizens to the importance of sports,” he said. This encouragement has led to excellent performances by Indian athletes in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships over the last 11 years, with Uttar Pradesh’s athletes also making outstanding contributions.
CM Yogi affirmed that over the past eight years, the state government has taken numerous steps to develop sports infrastructure and encourage athletes. Beyond honoring medal winners and participants in national and international competitions, the government has developed sports facilities at village, block, and district levels. This includes sports fields in villages, mini-stadiums at block levels, and full-fledged stadiums at district levels. Sports kits have also been provided to players in villages through Yuva Mangal Dals and Mahila Mangal Dals.
Uttar Pradesh Leads in Providing Government Jobs to Athletes
CM Yogi Adityanath proudly announced that the encouragement from the government has empowered the state’s athletes to excel in various international and national competitions. Under Uttar Pradesh’s sports policy, the state government is providing government job opportunities to athletes who win medals in international competitions. “Uttar Pradesh ranks first in the country in providing government jobs to athletes,” he asserted, adding that over 500 medal-winning international athletes have been given government jobs so far. He also highlighted that the Indian team secured third place in the Police World Championship, with the best contribution coming from Uttar Pradesh Police athletes.
Importance of Sports for a Healthy Life
Emphasizing the importance of sports for a healthy body, CM Yogi quoted an ancient Indian saying, ‘Shariramadyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam’, meaning “The body is indeed the means to fulfilling all duties/dharma.” He stressed that for the fulfillment of these duties, a healthy body is essential, and a regular and disciplined routine is the first school for the body, with sports being the best option. He encouraged everyone to engage in some form of sport, stating that when a young person pursues sports professionally, they contribute to the pride of their family, society, state, and nation.
Centuries-Old Wrestling Tradition at Gorakhnath Temple
CM Yogi also acknowledged the centuries-old tradition of wrestling competitions at the Gorakhnath Temple premises on Nagpanchami. He noted that in recent years, this event has been elevated to a state-level competition, becoming a source of enthusiasm and joy for youth across Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister extended Nagpanchami greetings, explaining its spiritual significance as a festival of worshipping spiritual power, often referred to as ‘serpent power’ within the body, which enables the attainment of ‘Ashta Siddhi’ (eight supernatural powers) and ‘Nava Nidhi’ (nine treasures). He highlighted that Nagpanchami celebrations, especially through wrestling, serve as a medium to display both physical and spiritual strength.
CM Yogi Honors Victorious Wrestlers
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally witnessed the final bouts for the titles of Uttar Pradesh Kesari, Uttar Pradesh Kumar, and Uttar Pradesh Veer Abhimanyu, applauding to boost the morale of the wrestlers. He presented the Uttar Pradesh Kesari title winner, Jonty Bhati of Gautam Buddh Nagar, with Rs 1.01 lakh and a mace, while runner-up Uttam Rana of Baghpat received Rs 51,000.
Sourabh from Gorakhpur Sports Hostel, who won the Uttar Pradesh Kumar title, received Rs 1.01 lakh and a mace, with runner-up Raman Singh of Gorakhpur getting Rs 25,000. Monu of Gonda, the Veer Abhimanyu title winner, was awarded Rs 51,000 and a mace, and runner-up Janardan of Gorakhpur received Rs 25,000.
Additionally, CM Yogi awarded Rs 21,000 each to the third-place finishers in Uttar Pradesh Kesari (Mayank Tomar of Baghpat and Viresh Kundu of NE Railway) and Uttar Pradesh Kumar (Mohit of Gonda and Amit Yadav of Jaunpur). Abhishek Yadav of Sports College Gorakhpur and Satish of Baghpat, who finished third in Veer Abhimanyu, each received Rs 11,000.
Historic Decisions for Sports Promotion Under CM Yogi’s Guidance: Sports Minister
Girish Chandra Yadav, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Welfare, lauded CM Yogi Adityanath’s leadership, stating that Uttar Pradesh is reaching new heights of development and becoming the best state. He emphasized that under CM Yogi’s guidance, the state’s sports department has taken several historic decisions for sports infrastructure and athlete encouragement, fostering a sporting environment even in villages. He revealed that over 20,000 village panchayats in UP have developed sports fields.
The event was graced by Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, BJP State Vice President and MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Vipin Singh, Mahendra Pal Singh, Pradeep Shukla, Kali Bari Mahant Ravindradas, Sports Director Dr. RP Singh, former Vice President of Youth Welfare Council Dr. Vibhrat Chand Kaushik, District Wrestling Association President Dinesh Singh, District Kabaddi Association Gorakhpur President Arunesh Shahi, Hockey Association District President Manish Singh, along with numerous sports enthusiasts, officials, and dignitaries.
