Amethi (UP): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said that India’s strength and capability have been demonstrated at the Asian Games held in China, wherein Indian athletes achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the century mark, securing 107 medals, driven by the encouragement of the Prime Minister.
The CM participated in the prize distribution programme of MP Sports Competition during which he also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 879 development projects worth Rs 700 crore.
During the event, he said, “A UP player was initially lagging behind China in athletics, but managed to clinch victory in the last 30 seconds. When questioned about her last-minute win, she said that it was possible because of the encouragement received from the Prime Minister and the programmes initiated by the UP government to support players. To get the job of Deputy Superintendent of Police, it was necessary to win a gold medal.”
Yogi said, “A reward of Rs 3 crore and the position of DSP awaits athletes winning gold medals. Whenever they say, we will issue the appointment letters.”
He congratulated Union Minister and local MP Smriti Irani and 1.11 lakh players for participating in the grand event.
The CM said that until today events like this were just a dream. “The ‘Khelo India Khelo’ initiative by the Prime Minister has been instrumental in motivating players and youth across the nation to prioritise fitness. This call has sparked a surge in sports competitions all over the country, a trend further reinforced by the Fit India Movement,” he said.
He said, “In this series, organising the Sansad Khel-Khud Pratiyogita 2023 was a novel experience. For the last three to four years, players from the entire parliamentary constituency, from village to Nyay Panchayat, from school to college level, got the opportunity to participate in various competitions. Amethi broke the record with the participation of hundreds of players in the first edition, thousands in the second edition and 1.11 lakh players in the third edition.”
Yogi mentioned that so far 500 players have been given appointment letters. “There is an abundance of recruitment and talent. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, it is our collective responsibility to elevate India’s talent to the global stage,” he said.
He said, “If we all work with full strength, then one day the players of Amethi will also go to Asian-Commonwealth, Olympics, World Championship. Their success will not only bring honour to the district and state but also contribute to enhancing the country’s reputation. Sudha Singh brought pride to both the state and the nation by securing a medal in the Olympics.”
The CM said that he has known Amethi for 30 years. “Prior to 2019, elected MPs used to visit only during the elections. However, when Smriti Irani became MP, the scenario changed. She visits Amethi every week or ten days,” he said.
He mentioned that Amethi is currently evolving in a new way, with developments such as the construction of a medical college. “There are no obstacles in the path of Amethi’s development under the double-engine government,” he said.
Yogi said that a new programme is about to come regarding the ‘Saansad Sanskritik Karyakram.’ “Cultural events will give new heights to positivity. Just a few days ago, the PM participated in the Saansad Sanskritik event in Varanasi. During this event, participants not only showcased singing, playing, dancing and drama but also actively preserved and promoted the rich traditions of folk culture, singing and music,” he said.
Emphasising on the importance of introducing new competitions and cultural events, he said, “Women traditionally sing at weddings, and various village programs are organised during festivals. If these cultural practices are given a platform and taken forward, the double-engine government is committed to being a partner and providing encouragement and support.”
The CM went on to say that the message from today’s program is clear that people are eager to be part of sports programs. “By collaborating with the Government of India to establish sports centers in every district, youth can be given a platform.”
