Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has highlighted initiatives to promote sports and expand opportunities for women athletes in the state, including direct recruitment of medal-winning players into government services, cash awards for international medal winners and the expansion of sports infrastructure.
In a social media post marking Sharadiya Navratri, Adityanath referred to the ‘Medal Laao, Pad Pao’ scheme, under which eligible medal-winning athletes are offered opportunities for direct recruitment into government services. He also highlighted cash awards for athletes who win medals at the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
According to the chief minister, the state is taking several steps to encourage sporting talent. The direct recruitment scheme is intended to provide eligible medal-winning athletes with opportunities in government services, while cash awards recognise achievements at major international sporting events.
Adityanath said these initiatives aim to recognise athletes’ achievements and provide them with better opportunities to pursue sports and secure their future. He added that recognition and incentives for athletes help create an environment that encourages participation in sports.
Adityanath highlighted the development of sports infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh, including village playgrounds, block-level mini stadiums and district-level stadiums. He also referred to sports colleges at the divisional level and the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut as important facilities for sports training and education.
The chief minister criticised the conditions prevailing before 2017, claiming that athletes, particularly women, did not receive adequate opportunities and resources at the time. He said subsequent efforts had focused on safety, incentives and the expansion of sports facilities.
In his message on the sixth day of Navratri, Adityanath extended greetings to the people of Uttar Pradesh and described Goddess Katyayani as a symbol of women's power, courage and determination. He linked women's empowerment with changes in the state and highlighted the achievements of women athletes across several sports.
In athletics, he named Parul Chaudhary, Priyanka Goswami, Prachi Chaudhary and Annu Rani. He also referred to judoka Asmita Dey, cricketers Deepti Sharma and Meghna Singh, hockey player Vandana Katariya and wrestler Divya Kakran.
The chief minister highlighted government employment opportunities, financial awards and improved sports facilities as measures to encourage athletes and promote sports in Uttar Pradesh.
