Government Committed to Promoting Sports and Athletes: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh is the leading state in the country for offering government jobs to medal-winning athletes: CM

CM Yogi felicitates winners of state-level wrestling competition held on Nag Panchami at Gorakhnath Temple

Gorakhpur – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the Uttar Pradesh government is fully committed to developing sports infrastructure and encouraging athletes. Over the past eight years, this commitment has yielded results: from building sports facilities at the grassroots level to offering substantial rewards and government jobs to medal-winning athletes. Uttar Pradesh now leads the country in providing government employment to athletes who bring international accolades to the state and nation.

Speaking at the closing and award ceremony of the two-day State-Level Senior Prize Money Men’s Wrestling Competition organized by the Sports Department and District Wrestling Association on the occasion of Nag Panchami at Gorakhnath Temple, CM Yogi said that sports culture in India has transformed significantly under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership over the past 11 years. PM Modi launched the ‘Khelo India’ initiative in 2014 to promote sports awareness, and since then, Indian athletes have delivered outstanding performances in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships — with UP athletes making their mark as well.

The CM said the state government has taken several initiatives in the past eight years to support sports. Medal winners in national and international competitions are honored, and infrastructure has been developed from village to district levels: village playgrounds, mini stadiums at block levels, and full stadiums at the district level. Youth and women’s groups across villages have been provided with sports kits.

Over 500 Athletes Given Government Jobs

CM Yogi said that thanks to government encouragement, UP athletes have made the state and nation proud in major events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and National Games. Under the state’s sports policy, medal winners in international competitions are provided with government jobs. So far, over 500 athletes have been recruited. Notably, athletes from UP Police played a key role in securing third place for India in the Police World Championship.

“The Body is the Instrument of All Righteous Acts”

Quoting ancient Indian philosophy, the CM emphasized the importance of a healthy body in achieving higher goals: “Shariram Madhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam” — meaning the body is the primary means for performing all righteous duties. He stressed the role of sports in maintaining physical health and discipline, urging everyone to engage in some form of sport. He added that athletes not only develop themselves but also contribute to the pride of their families, communities, state, and nation.

Centuries-Old Wrestling Tradition at Gorakhnath Temple

CM Yogi noted the long-standing tradition of organizing wrestling events at Gorakhnath Temple on Nag Panchami. In recent years, this tradition has been elevated to the state level, drawing enthusiastic participation from across Uttar Pradesh.

Nag Panchami’s Spiritual Significance Highlighted

Greeting everyone on Nag Panchami, the CM spoke of the festival’s spiritual importance. He described it as a celebration of spiritual energy (commonly referred to as “serpent power”) believed to be present in every human. This energy is key to attaining mystical powers and wealth, which sages aspire for. The festival’s rituals also reflect Indian tradition’s compassion for all living beings, symbolizing harmony with nature.

Wrestlers Awarded by CM Yogi

CM Yogi observed the final matches for titles like Uttar Pradesh Kesari, UP Kumar, and UP Veer Abhimanyu. He cheered on the wrestlers and distributed the following prizes:

• UP Kesari:
  • Winner: Jonty Bhati (Gautam Buddh Nagar) – ₹1.01 lakh & mace
  • Runner-up: Uttam Rana (Baghpat) – ₹51,000
• UP Kumar:
  • Winner: Saurabh (Gorakhpur Sports Hostel) – ₹1.01 lakh & mace
  • Runner-up: Raman Singh (Gorakhpur) – ₹25,000
• UP Veer Abhimanyu:
  • Winner: Monu (Gonda) – ₹51,000 & mace
  • Runner-up: Janardan (Gorakhpur) – ₹25,000

Third-place winners in various categories received cash prizes ranging from ₹11,000 to ₹21,000.

Historic Reforms in Sports Under CM Yogi: Sports Minister

Speaking at the event, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Welfare, Girish Chandra Yadav, highlighted that under CM Yogi’s leadership, UP has become one of the leading states in sports development. Over 20,000 village panchayats now have sports grounds, and major infrastructure and policy reforms have been introduced, transforming the rural sports landscape.

Dignitaries Present

Among those present were Gorakhpur Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, BJP State Vice President & MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Bipin Singh, Mahendra Pal Singh, Pradeep Shukla, Kalibari Mahant Ravindra Das, Sports Director Dr. R.P. Singh, former Youth Welfare Council VP Dr. Vibhrat Chandra Kaushik, and various district sports association leaders and enthusiasts.