Lucknow: In a heartwarming interaction, over two dozen young skating enthusiasts met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence on Kalidas Marg, expressing gratitude for the development of a modern skating ground at Janeshwar Mishra Park.
The delegation, led by Jewar MLA Dhirendra Singh, included budding skaters along with former Indian women’s volleyball team captain and international player Nirmal Tawar Bhati. The group thanked the Chief Minister for providing a safe and world-class facility that has significantly improved training conditions for young athletes.
From Broken Roads to World-Class Track
During the interaction, the children shared their experiences of earlier practising on damaged roads, which posed safety risks and limited their growth. They said the newly developed skating track has not only ensured safety but also boosted their confidence and aspirations.
Calling it a “dream come true,” the young athletes said the facility has opened new avenues for honing their skills and competing at higher levels.
Government’s Push for Sports Infrastructure
Dhirendra Singh noted that the initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to nurturing sporting talent. He revealed that the demand for a dedicated skating facility was first raised by children in 2022, following which the Chief Minister responded promptly.
The modern skating track, approximately 200 metres long, has been constructed at an estimated cost of ₹45 lakh. In addition, the park is undergoing a major revamp led by the Lucknow Development Authority, with projects worth around ₹10 crore. These include development of a cricket ground, football field, lawn tennis court, badminton court, paddle ball court, gym, physiotherapy centre, and other amenities.
CM Encourages Young Athletes
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the children and encouraged them to continue practising with dedication. He reiterated that the government is committed to the holistic development of sports and aims to provide better facilities to youth across the state.
Experts Highlight Importance of Infrastructure
Nirmal Tawar Bhati emphasised that access to quality infrastructure plays a crucial role in shaping successful athletes. She noted that the new facility will help young players reach national and international levels and particularly empower girls in sports.
Several young skaters, including Rishita Chaturvedi, Gotra Deshpande, and Ishan Raj Singh, expressed their appreciation, stating that the new track has given them a safer environment, improved training conditions, and renewed motivation.
Coach Anjani Singh Kushwaha also lauded the efforts of the state leadership, calling the initiative a strong foundation for the future of sports in Uttar Pradesh.
The interaction highlighted the growing focus on sports infrastructure in the state and the positive impact such initiatives are having on nurturing young talent.
