In a major announcement, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that ‘Khelo Uttar Pradesh Centre,’ similar to Khelo India Centre, will be set up in each block of Uttar Pradesh, adding that the funding for this initiative will be determined in collaboration with the Sports Department.

During a prize money distribution program and the issuance of appointment letters to players in Uttar Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, the Chief Minister stated that the state government has already decided to appoint players, who can dedicate their time after games as coaches at Khelo UP Centres with a fixed honorarium.

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Emphasizing the importance of having competent coaches at the block level, he expressed confidence that this approach would lead to further improvement in the performance of players at the national and international events.

On this occasion, he distributed prize money of Rs 62 crore to 189 outstanding players of Uttar Pradesh, who won medals and participated in the 19th Asian Games 2022, 4th Para Asian Games 2022, and 37th National Games 2023. Additionally, appointment letters were presented to 7 medal-winning players for positions, such as Deputy Superintendent of Police, District Youth Welfare Officer, and Passenger/Goods Tax Officer.

Highlighting the transformative changes in the sports environment over the past decade, Chief Minister Yogi remarked: “The state government has diligently worked towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision, creating a new platform to channelize the energy of the youth.”

Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s significant contribution to sports, he said that 16 percent of the country’s population resides in the state, and its athletes have secured an impressive 25 per cent of the medals in the Asian Games. Acknowledging their achievements in the National Games, he expressed that this event has been organized to further enhance their skills.

“On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas on 24th January, we honoured all our personalities. On January 26, the Laxman Award and Rani Lakshmibai Award were presented to the personalities who performed brilliantly in sports at Raj Bhavan,” he added.

Yogi remarked further: “Rs 62 crore was allocated to 189 players while appointment letters were presented to 7 players today. This exemplifies the positive impact of effective leadership. In the past, people had to pay bribes to get jobs whereas today, the government not only provides employment, but also financial support.”

The series of events, including Khelo India Khelo, Saansad Khel Pratiyogita, and Khelo India University Games in Uttar Pradesh, were executed with grandeur. The government has committed to building stadiums in every district, mini stadiums at each block level, and playgrounds and open gyms in every gram panchayat.

In addition, there are plans to increase incentives for sports and players. Uttar Pradesh stands out as the leading state in the country, having provided jobs to over 500 players through the issuance of appointment letters. These positions range from Deputy SP roles to recruitment in the Police force.

Chief Minister Yogi emphasized the need for arrangements to support para players, stating, “We can also give appointments to these medal-winning players. These are our personalities, who with their abilities, have increased the pride of the country and the state.”

Addressing young players, CM Yogi highlighted the abundance of opportunities available and the government’s commitment to honour and support those who bring good results. The state government, he added, has not only increased resources but also raised incentive amounts, provided jobs, and enhanced various facilities, with a promise of continued efforts in this direction.

CM Yogi directed officials from the Sports Department to ensure that Asian Games medal winners visit sports colleges, sports hostels, and district-level programs. He stressed the importance of these athletes sharing their experiences to inspire budding players.

Assuring a continued commitment, he stated, “The double engine government will continue to work with dedication to promote your interests.”

Meanwhile, reflecting on Shri Ram Lalla’s consecration in a divine temple in Ayodhya after five centuries, CM Yogi described it as a momentous occasion for India’s pride.

Meanwhile, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur commended the players, acknowledging that their remarkable achievements have elevated the honour of the country. He expressed gratitude to CM Yogi for recognizing and honouring the players for their outstanding contributions.

Thakur remarked, “Before 2014, newspapers in the country primarily focused on scams. However, there has been a significant shift, and now discussions about the Commonwealth scam have faded, making way for the publication of names of players who win medals. This transformation has unfolded over almost a decade.”

Highlighting the efforts of the Prime Minister, who has increased the sports budget three times, Thakur also noted the encouragement of sports in Uttar Pradesh. He emphasized that players now benefit from extensive facilities, allowing them to concentrate on their performance. This, he added, is the key factor behind the historic achievement of winning 107 medals in the Asian Games.

Thakur praised the players for surpassing expectations, stating, “Your accomplishments are not just milestones but the beginning of a new era. Your achievements serve as an inspiration for young players.”

“Due to the resolution taken by Yogi ji, Uttar Pradesh is definitely going to be at the forefront in sports. Yogi ji wants to take Uttar Pradesh forward in sports; it is the responsibility of all of you to make his dream come true.”

Thakur highlighted the progress of Uttar Pradesh, the country’s largest state, across various fields, noting that it serves as a source of energy for the entire nation. He observed the positive transformation from Uttar Pradesh being known for riots to now producing Olympic medal contenders.