Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured 14 Olympians and Paralympians in a grand ceremony held at the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan in Lucknow. The athletes, who represented India at the global level, were celebrated for their outstanding achievements and contributions to the country and state’s sporting pride. A total of Rs. 22.70 crore in prize money was distributed to the athletes, making it a significant event aimed at encouraging young sports talent in Uttar Pradesh.
CM Yogi also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of maintaining discipline and focus, particularly for the younger generation. He highlighted the increasing distractions posed by smartphones and stressed the importance of staying away from drug addiction, which he termed a path to destruction.
Rewarding Athletes for Global Glory: Cash Awards for Olympians and Paralympians
During the felicitation, CM Yogi Adityanath expressed his pride in the athletes who brought glory to India and Uttar Pradesh. Seven medal-winning Olympians and Paralympians and seven participating athletes were honoured at the event. The standout athletes who received special recognition included Praveen Kumar, Suhas LY, Ajit Singh, Preeti Pal, Simran, Lalit Upadhyay, and Raj Kumar Pal.
Among the major recipients was Paralympian high jumper Praveen Kumar, who secured a gold medal at the Paralympics and was awarded Rs. 6 crore for his incredible achievement. Lalit Upadhyay from Varanasi and Raj Kumar Pal from Ghazipur, both part of the Indian hockey team that won a bronze medal, were each presented with Rs. 1 crore.
Other medal winners included Suhas LY, an IAS officer from Uttar Pradesh, who won a silver medal in para-badminton, and Ajit Singh, who won a silver medal in javelin throw. Both athletes were awarded Rs. 4 crore each. Preeti Pal, who hails from Muzaffarnagar, bagged bronze in the 100m and 200m categories, and Simran from Ghaziabad won a bronze in the 200m race. They received Rs. 4 crore and Rs. 2 crore, respectively.
Sports Infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh: A Major Push for Athletes
In addition to celebrating these athletes, CM Yogi outlined the government’s commitment to building a robust sports infrastructure in the state. The Chief Minister noted that Uttar Pradesh is rapidly developing sports resources to support its players. The state now boasts 84 stadiums, 67 multi-purpose halls, 38 swimming pools, 15 synthetic hockey fields, and 3 synthetic running tracks.
Furthermore, plans for two international cricket stadiums, 16 hostels, 47 advanced gyms, 20 synthetic tennis courts, and 19 dormitories have been set in motion. The state government also intends to build playgrounds and open gyms across 57,000 gram panchayats, mini stadiums in all 826 development blocks, and district-level stadiums, ensuring athletes have access to top-class facilities.
Financial Support and Jobs for Athletes: A Promising Future
Yogi Adityanath’s government is taking a proactive role in not only recognizing but also financially supporting the athletes who make the state proud. The state provides a monthly financial allowance to aging athletes and also offers financial aid of Rs. 20,000 to players who have earned national awards. For international competitors, the government has announced the Laxman Award for male athletes and the Rani Lakshmibai Award for female athletes, offering them cash prizes and recognition.
A major announcement was the state’s decision to offer government jobs to medal-winning athletes. Players who achieve global success will be appointed as gazetted officers in various roles such as Deputy Superintendents of Police, Naib Tehsildars, Goods Tax Officers, and District Youth Welfare Officers. This initiative aims to provide stable careers for athletes who have contributed to the state’s pride on the global stage.
Uttar Pradesh’s First Sports University: A Tribute to Major Dhyan Chand
In a significant boost for sports development, the state is building its first sports university, named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, in Meerut. This university is part of the government’s broader plan to cultivate a sporting culture in Uttar Pradesh and provide young athletes with world-class training and facilities.
Additionally, the Chief Minister noted the formation of the Eklavya Sports Club to nurture talent at the grassroots level. Former athletes who have represented India at events like the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and the Asian Games are being roped in as trainers for the next generation of sports stars.
Coaches Also Honoured: Acknowledging the Backbone of Sporting Success
During the event, CM Yogi also honored four coaches who have played pivotal roles in preparing athletes for international events like the Olympics and Paralympics. The coaches recognized were Gajendra Singh (Para Athlete), Gaurav Khanna (Para Badminton), Rakesh Kumar Yadav (Para Athlete), and Dr. Satyapal Singh (Para Athlete).
Yogi Adityanath underlined the importance of coaches in shaping successful athletes and reiterated the government’s commitment to providing the best resources and support to these trainers.
UP Athletes Shine at Paris Olympics and Paralympics
The players from Uttar Pradesh performed exceptionally well at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, winning six medals in total, including one gold. The impressive tally showcases the progress the state has made in supporting and encouraging athletes.
Several other athletes were awarded for their participation in the Paris Games, with each receiving Rs. 10 lakh as an incentive. These athletes included Parul Chaudhary, Anu Rani, Priyanka Goswami, Prachi Chaudhary, Sakshi Kasana, Dipesh Kumar, and Yash Kumar.
The event was not just a celebration of past achievements but a strong message from the Uttar Pradesh government that it is committed to nurturing future champions.
