On National Sports Day, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath called players the real heroes of society and said that sports is not just a way to win medals, but an inspiration for discipline, dedication, and goal achievement. He honoured players who have won medals at national and international levels by giving incentive amounts at the ceremony held at Padma Shri Mohammad Shahid Stadium. He also handed out appointment letters to nine assistant sports coaches.
Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand
CM Yogi paid tribute to the hockey magician Major Dhyan Chand. He said that his name brings the image of a hockey stick to every Indian’s eyes. He said Major Dhyan Chand won gold medals in the 1928, 1932, and 1936 Olympics and gave India a global identity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated the country’s highest sports award, ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna,’ in his name, which gave a new direction to the sports world.
The CM said that the first sports university of the state in Meerut was named after Major Dhyan Chand. The classes has started during this academic session.
UP to Become a Hub of Sports
The Chief Minister said that a sports college is being established in every commissionerate of the state. Centres of excellence for various sports will be developed there, and former Olympians and medal-winning players from Asian and Commonwealth Games will be appointed as coaches to hone new talents.
He added that sports grounds are being built at the village panchayat level, mini stadiums at the development block level, and a big stadium in every district is under rapid construction. Additionally, open gyms and sports equipment are also being provided for the youth.
UP has Produced Many Great Players
CM Yogi said that Uttar Pradesh has contributed many great hockey players such as Major Dhyan Chand, K.D. Singh’ Babu,’ Mohammad Shahid, Devesh Chauhan, Vivek Singh, Tushar Khandekar, Lalit Upadhyay, and Rajkumar Pal, who have not only made the state proud but also the country.
He specifically mentioned Lalit Upadhyay and Rajkumar Pal, who won medals at the Paris Olympics.
MP and MLA sports competitions
The CM said that sports competitions for MPs will be held across the country from September 17 to October 2. Before that, sports competitions for MLAs will also be organized. He believes this will provide opportunities for new talent and help create a positive atmosphere for sports in society.
Match Inaugurated with a Hockey Stick Hit
At the event, CM Yogi inaugurated the state-level hockey competition by hitting the ball with a hockey stick. He enjoyed the friendly match between the Sports Hostel and Sports College Lucknow and took an oath for fitness and sportsmanship from the players.
The cultural programs further energised the atmosphere.
Inauguration of Sports Projects
On this occasion, the Chief Minister inaugurated several sports projects, including â
- Renovation of the hostel building at Azamgarh Stadium
- Inauguration of the newly built hostel building at Basti Stadium
- Renovation of the multipurpose sports hall and administrative building in Pilibhit
- Renovation of the indoor volleyball hall at Gorakhpur Sports College
- Installation of gym equipment at Banda Stadium
- Inauguration of the synthetic hockey field and sports facilities at Mau
Responsibilities Given to New Coaches
On Sports Day, nine assistant coaches were entrusted with responsibilities. These include Nishit Dixit (Swimming), Vivek Srivastava (Basketball), Praveen Kumar (Boxing), Parvez Ali (Judo), Rajesh Yadav (Gymnastics), Vijay Lakshmi Singh (Kho-Kho/Kabaddi), Mukesh Kumar Singh (Volleyball), Kuldeep Srivastava (Badminton), and Vikas Pandey (Archery).
Honouring former Olympians and Medalists
Major Dhyan Chand’s son Devendra Singh and several former Olympians and Arjuna awardees were also honored. These include Vijay Singh Chauhan, MP Singh, Devesh Chauhan, Lalit Upadhyay, Shakeel Ahmed, Rahul Singh, and Danish Mujtaba.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, Lucknow Mayor Susha Kharkwal, MPs, MLAs, senior officials, and a large number of players.
