Ujjain Moving Towards Becoming Hub of Sports: CM Dr. Yadav

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated that Lord Shri Mahakaleshwar and Shri Gopal Krishna have bestowed special blessings upon everyone. With their grace, a significant gift is being presented today to the sportspersons of Ujjain and the entire state. Continuous development works are being undertaken at the sports complex in Ujjain. He said that sports are not merely a form of entertainment but a powerful medium for physical, mental and social development, fostering discipline, team spirit, leadership qualities and a positive sense of competition.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said this while addressing the Bhoomi Poojan ceremony for the construction of an international-standard synthetic hockey turf and pavilion spectator gallery, to be built at a cost of ₹48.71 crore at the Late Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Sports Complex, Nanakheda Stadium in Ujjain on Saturday.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that the state government is giving priority to the development of sports infrastructure across Madhya Pradesh. New stadiums, sports complexes, and training facilities are being developed in different districts to provide players with modern amenities. With these developments, Ujjain is steadily moving toward becoming a hub of sports, and in the future, national and international-level players will emerge from the city.

The Late Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia Sports Complex at Nanakheda Stadium reminds one of well-equipped international stadiums abroad. Earlier, hockey players from various cities of the country used to come and perform at Kshir Sagar Stadium. In accordance with international standards, there was a need for a synthetic hockey turf, which will soon be fulfilled.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that efforts will be made to host international-level matches at this stadium during the Commonwealth Games scheduled in 2030. The aim is to provide talented players with state-of-the-art stadiums and facilities to showcase their skills. Along with the hockey pavilion, athletics pavilion, and hockey field, the project will also include road construction, parking facilities and a compound wall within the Nanakheda Stadium complex.

Ujjain has been receiving several gifts in the form of sports infrastructure. First, 8.71 hectares (21.77 acres) of land was allocated for sports grounds for the Sports Department and players. This was followed by the construction of an athletics synthetic track costing ₹7.22 crore, as well as lawn tennis synthetic courts and a grass football ground.

The Late Rajmata Scindia Multipurpose Sports Complex, built at a cost of ₹11.43 crore, includes a modern shooting range, badminton hall, mallakhamb facility, and a gymnasium hall, equipped with sports equipment worth ₹1.50 crore.

In Madhya Pradesh, 11 sports academies covering 18 sports disciplines have been established. As a result, whereas in earlier years athletes from the state could only participate in the Asian Games and Olympic Games, today they are also winning medals and bringing pride to the state. Players emerging from Ujjain will also perform at national and international levels.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that a new stadium will also be constructed in Hasampura in the coming years. A four-lane road is also being built to improve connectivity, enabling talented players from villages to get opportunities to showcase their sporting abilities.

The swimming pool at Nazar Ali Compound and other major swimming pools will be handed over to the Sports Department for proper maintenance and management.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav congratulated everyone on the new synthetic hockey turf and extended best wishes on the occasion of Rang Panchami, urging everyone to celebrate the festival with joy and enthusiasm.

Member of Parliament Shri Anil Firojiya said that it is a matter of great happiness that the Nanakheda Stadium Sports Complex is receiving another major facility for the people of the city. He said that Chief Minister Dr. Yadav is continuously promoting the development of sports in Ujjain. He also highlighted that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi launched the Khelo India programme to promote sports. Earlier, players from smaller towns and villages had limited opportunities to showcase their talent, but the programme has provided them with a strong platform. Indian athletes are now performing exceptionally at international competitions and winning medals. While hockey is the national game, the government is also promoting other sports such as basketball, football, and archery.

Chief Minister Dr. Yadav has also awarded ₹1 crore each to women players from the state who performed excellently in the Hockey World Cup. Shri Firojiya, in his capacity as President of the District Hockey Association, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister.

Rajya Sabha MP Shri Balyogi Umeshnath Ji Maharaj said that the project has begun due to the special efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, and it will be a major gift for hockey players. The Chief Minister’s vision is that hockey players from the state should excel at national and international levels and bring pride to the country.

Former MLA Shri Rajendra Bharti said that the dreams and expectations of players have been fulfilled through the special efforts of Chief Minister Dr. Yadav. He expressed confidence that players like Major Dhyan Chand will also emerge from Ujjain in the future.

On the occasion, Municipal Corporation Chairperson Smt. Kalawati Yadav, public representatives, officials, sports enthusiasts, and a large number of citizens were present. The programme was conducted by Shri Jwalant Sharma, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Director of Sports and Youth Welfare Shri Anshuman Yadav.