“Jitna Paseena Bahega, Jeet Utna Hi Nikat Ayegi”: Chief Minister

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured sports talents at Lok Bhavan

There is a need to increase the prize money of Lakshman and Rani Lakshmibai awards to ₹10 lakh each from next year: Chief Minister

Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut will be inaugurated in May-June

Lucknow, March 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday played the role of a mentor. Encouraging the players, he said “Behind every medal there is a story. It is not only about luck, but also about struggle, discipline, and an unyielding determination not to give up. Talent provides the beginning, but hard work leads to the goal. The more sweat you shed, the closer victory will come. Sports teach how to fall, rise, and win. The one who falls will rise, and the one who rises will win. The one who trembles at falling will not be able to rise. The one who is careless in rising will not reach close to victory”.

CM Yogi congratulated the players who received appointment letters, Lakshman and Lakshmibai awards, and medal-winning athletes. He said, the time has come to increase the prize money of Lakshman and Rani Lakshmibai awards. From next year, it should be increased from ₹3.11 lakh to ₹10 lakh each.

CM directed the Sports Department to prepare and send this proposal. He told the players to make sports a part of a disciplined daily routine, to climb the peak of hard work, and win medals for the country, assuring that the state government will provide support and assistance at every level.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was addressing the felicitation ceremony of international and national level players at Lok Bhavan on Tuesday. He said that Veerwar Lakshman is a symbol of dedication, duty, and discipline. The Rani Lakshmibai Award is a symbol of women’s dignity, self-reliance, and valour. This honour is given to players who have made distinguished contributions at national and international levels.

CM Yogi also added, “Chaitra and Sharadiya Navratri are festivals symbolizing India’s eternal tradition of devotion and reverence towards mother power. During these 9 days, rituals are performed for the universal mother and her different forms are worshipped. This worship symbolizes that any society which maintains respect for women power will not only advance the campaign of sustainable development but will also succeed in sustaining its existence for a long time. Where women are respected and worshipped, divine blessings flow. Ensuring women’s dignity, protecting their honour, and providing platforms for self-reliance is like adding a new link to prosperity”.

He said, youth power is an important pillar of discipline, duty, and the bright future of the nation. The UP government is moving forward with a ‘Nav Nirman Ke 9 Varsh program, and in such circumstances, the government is enhancing the respect of youth and women power through players of various sports. In the last 9 years, the government has provided ₹200 crore to players in the form of awards and incentives. The government has promoted traditional Indian sports like kabaddi, wrestling, and kho-kho.

He added, Uttar Pradesh, with a population of 25 crore, is a major centre of youth power. The state’s 56 % youth population is its strength and represents the working class. When they work hard, Uttar Pradesh increases its food grain targets and growth rate from 8% to 18%. Youth power transforms a BIMARU state like UP into an economic breakthrough, establishing it as a revenue surplus state and making it the growth engine of India. When youth get the right platform, they win medals for India.

Chief Minister said, after taking oath in 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted a new sports culture. Referring to Khelo India, Fit India Movement, and MP Sports Competition, he said that after 2017, the state government started MLA Sports Competitions. Khelo India centres are being established at every block level. The state government has furthered a new tradition of rural sports leagues. Referring to international player Simran, the CM said that villages have playgrounds where people of all age groups can participate in morning walks and sports activities.

CM also informed, “The funds provided by the government for villages and panchayats prioritize playgrounds and open gyms. Budget provisions have been made to construct mini stadiums at every development block level. MLAs and MPs have been advised that they can use their funds for the development of sports and related infrastructure”.

He said, he used his own funds to build an indoor game stadium in Gorakhpur, where activities for youth and children are always ongoing. Otherwise, these children would have been using smartphones or roaming on the streets, but now they are engaged in sports activities in the stadium.

CM Yogi alo added, the sports university in Meerut has been completed and will be inaugurated in May-June, while academic courses have already started last year. Sports colleges will be constructed at every divisional level and developed as centres of excellence for specific sports. Along with increasing incentives and facilities for players, the government has also worked to improve lodging and food facilities for players already staying in sports hostels and sports colleges.

Referring to sports like volleyball and badminton, the CM said efforts are made to ensure that the ball or shuttle does not fall. As soon as an opportunity arises, the shot is so powerful that it leads to victory. He mentioned Japan’s Kaizen (continuous improvement) and Monozukuri (art of excellence in manufacturing), saying that there is always scope for improvement in every task. One should continuously strive to do better. These are not just words, but concepts of life that become part of a new work style to achieve goals.

CM Yogi informed, there was a time when sports were neglected. Players had talent but lacked platforms. Land mafias had encroached upon playgrounds, and government funds were lost to corruption. Sports became part of the central government’s agenda in 2014, and after 2017, the state government began focusing on sports. The budget for sports has increased manifold. Earlier there was no budget, now so much is allocated that the department is unable to spend it fully.

He emphasized repeatedly to provide the best facilities for players, to appoint former players as trainers, and to utilize their experience for the current generation. Today, the state has opportunities, resources, and talent. The government has worked towards improving sports infrastructure and facilities.

CM Yogi also said, for Olympic winners, the state government provides ₹6 crore for gold in individual events, ₹4 crore for silver, and ₹2 crore for bronze medals. The state also provides awards for achievements in Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships, and SAF Games. Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country to give priority to sportspersons in government jobs. So far, more than 500 players have been given appointment letters in various positions.

CM Yogi continues by adding, no matter wherever a four or six is hit in the country, the bat is made in Meerut. This gives both local and global recognition to the district and the state. The work done by Uttar Pradesh needs to be further strengthened. Sports are not only about winning medals but also about showcasing the strength of the nation. When talent is transformed into excellence through hard work, it enhances the country’s pride.

He added that the Sports Secretary of Uttar Pradesh is an Olympian who has won medals multiple times, and the Sports Director has led the Indian hockey team. When individuals connected to the field work, sports activities naturally expand.

During the event, Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Legislative Council members Mahendra Singh, Avneesh Singh, Lalji Prasad Nirmal, MLA Rajeshwar Singh, Jai Devi, and others were present.