“Sports Power Is National Power: With a New Sports Culture, Uttar Pradesh Is Providing National Leadership” – Chief Minister Yogi

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath speaks at the inauguration of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship

Khelo India, Fit India and strong infrastructure have transformed the sports landscape; results visible from villages to the global stage

MoU between the Sports Authority of India and the Uttar Pradesh Sports Directorate for operation of NCOE; young players to get a state-of-the-art training platform

Expansion of sports facilities in every district; growing achievements of UP athletes on major platforms like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games

Varanasi, January 2026 : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that in recent years, sports in Uttar Pradesh and the country have received a new vision, new resources, and renewed confidence. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the emerging “new sports culture” has strengthened discipline, fitness, and team spirit among youth. Sports are no longer just a hobby, but have become a powerful medium for personality development and nation-building. He said that modern sports infrastructure, transparent selection processes, and mission-mode schemes have expanded opportunities for young athletes. Competitions have been extended from the gram panchayat level to the national level. As a result, UP athletes are participating far more than before in international competitions and winning medals.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship on Sunday. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present at the venue, Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium, Sigra. He addressed players and spectators there. In the presence of the Chief Minister, an MoU was exchanged between the Sports Authority of India and the Uttar Pradesh Sports Directorate for the operation of the National Centre of Excellence (NCOE). CM Yogi welcomed players, coaches, and officials of all 58 teams (30 men’s and 28 women’s teams) who had arrived in Kashi.

Every Indian has witnessed the rise of a new sports culture in the country
CM Yogi said that over the last 11 to 11.5 years, every Indian has seen a new sports culture taking shape in the country. Through Khelo India launched in 2014, Prime Minister Modi instilled a sense of respect for sports in the minds of all Indians. He conveyed that sports should become a medium for all-round development in life. Only with a healthy body can all dimensions of success be achieved. Through Khelo India, the Fit India Movement, MP sports competitions, and the creation of sports infrastructure in every district, the entire country is experiencing a new sports culture. He added that through MP–MLA sports competitions and various rural sports events, Uttar Pradesh has actively promoted sports.

Modern sports infrastructure developed in the state and the country
The Chief Minister said that after 43 years, the Senior National Volleyball Championship is being organised in Uttar Pradesh by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation. Behind this event are the inspiration, guidance, and leadership of Prime Minister Modi. He said that modern sports infrastructure has been developed across the state and the country. The state-of-the-art facilities visible at Sampurnanand Sports Stadium are the result of the Prime Minister’s vision and have been developed under the Smart City initiative. Under the MoU between the UP government and SAI, a new platform will now be available to train players under the guidance of SAI mentors and coaches.

Athletes are winning many more medals along with increased participation in international competitions
CM Yogi said that in the last 8 to 8.5 years, significant efforts have been made to promote sports competitions in Uttar Pradesh. Initiatives such as playgrounds in every village, stadiums in every district, mini stadiums at the development block level, and open gyms as a priority under urban local bodies and gram panchayats have boosted sports activities at every level. As a result, UP athletes are not only participating in national, Olympic, Commonwealth, and international world championships, but are also winning many more medals than before.

Mayor Ashok Tiwari welcomed the guests. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Rajya Sabha MP Amarpal Maurya, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Ravindra Jaiswal, Dayashankar Mishra ‘Dayalu’, Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, District Panchayat Chairperson Poonam Maurya, MLAs Neelkanth Tiwari, Saurabh Srivastava, Dr. Sunil Patel, Tribhuvan Ram, Dr. Avadhesh Singh, Legislative Council member Hansraj Vishwakarma, Dharmendra Singh, and others were present at the inaugural ceremony.

Chief Minister inspected the stadium and encouraged athletes during practice
The Chief Minister also conducted an on-site inspection of the stadium and reviewed the maintenance of the gym and its equipment. He called a young shooter and asked about the sport; the child also took aim in front of the Chief Minister. CM Yogi encouraged athletes practicing in various sports disciplines.