Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Honours Sportspersons with Government Appointments and Enhanced Awards
In a significant move to recognize athletic excellence, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, personally distributed appointment letters to six distinguished sportspersons from the state, appointing them as gazetted officers. The ceremony, held in Lucknow, saw cricketer Rinku Singh among the recipients, who has been appointed as a Regional Sports Officer.
Substantial Increase in Prize Money for State Awards Announced
During the event, CM Adityanath announced a major enhancement in financial rewards for state-level sports accolades. The prize money for the prestigious Lakhman and Rani Lakshmibai awards will be increased from Rs 3.11 lakh to Rs 10 lakh, reflecting the government's commitment to incentivizing sporting achievements.
"Behind every medal is a story of struggle, discipline, and an unwavering resolve to never give up," emphasized the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering. He elaborated on the philosophy of sports, stating, "Talent gives you a start, but it is hard work that takes you to your goal. The more you sweat, the closer victory will come. Sports teach you to fall, rise, and win."
Government's Comprehensive Support for Sports Development
CM Adityanath assured continuous governmental support at all levels, urging athletes to integrate rigorous practice into their daily routines. He highlighted that over the past nine years, the state government has disbursed approximately Rs 200 crore to players through awards and incentives. Furthermore, traditional Indian sports such as kabaddi, wrestling, and kho-kho have been actively promoted under his administration.
Drawing inspiration from Japanese principles, the CM encouraged a mindset of continuous improvement. "Take inspiration from Japan's Kaizen (continuous improvement) and Monozukuri (art of excellent manufacturing). There is scope for continuous improvement in every task," he advised, using volleyball and badminton as metaphors for relentless effort.
Infrastructure and Policy Initiatives to Boost Sports
Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for national sports initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India Movement, and Sansad Khelkud Spardha since 2014, CM Adityanath outlined Uttar Pradesh's parallel efforts. The state government is focusing on rural sports development by creating playgrounds and open gyms at the village and panchayat levels.
Key infrastructure announcements include:
- A budgetary provision for constructing mini-stadiums at every development block.
- Encouragement for MLAs and MPs to utilize their funds for sports infrastructure development.
- The inauguration of the country's first sports university in Meerut by May or June this year.
- Plans to establish sports colleges at the divisional level and centers of excellence for specific sports.
Financial Incentives and Employment Opportunities for Athletes
The Chief Minister detailed substantial monetary rewards for Olympic medalists from Uttar Pradesh:
- Rs 6 crore for a gold medal in individual events.
- Rs 4 crore for a silver medal.
- Rs 2 crore for a bronze medal.
Similar prizes are allocated for achievements in Asian, Commonwealth, World Championship, and SAF Games. Notably, Uttar Pradesh prides itself on being the first state to prioritize athletes in government jobs, with appointment letters issued to over 500 players to date.
CM Adityanath also spotlighted Meerut's renowned bat-making industry, which brings global recognition to the state. He concluded by emphasizing that sports transcend mere medal counts, serving as a powerful medium to showcase national strength. The state's Sports Secretary, an Olympian and international medal winner, and the Sports Director, a former Indian hockey team captain, exemplify this commitment to athletic leadership.
