In a major announcement, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Saturday that ‘Khelo Uttar Pradesh Centres’, similar to Khelo India Centres established in every district by the Government of India, would be set up in each block of Uttar Pradesh.
He added that the funding for this initiative will be determined in collaboration with the Sports department.
During a prize money distribution programme and the issuance of appointment letters to players in Uttar Pradesh at Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, the chief minister stated that the state government has already decided to appoint players who can dedicate their time after games as coaches at Khelo UP Centres with a fixed honorarium.
Emphasising the importance of having competent coaches at the block level, he expressed confidence that this approach would lead to further improvement in the performances of players at the national and international events.
On this occasion, the chief minister distributed prize money of Rs 62 crore to 189 outstanding players of Uttar Pradesh who won medals and participated in the 19th Asian Games 2022, 4th Para Asian Games 2022, and 37th National Games 2023. Additionally, appointment letters were presented to seven medal-winning players for positions, such as deputy superintendent of police, district youth welfare officer, and passenger/goods tax officer.
Highlighting the transformative changes in the sports environment over the past decade, Chief Minister Yogi remarked, “The state government has diligently worked towards realising the prime minister’s vision, creating a new platform to channelise the energy of the youth.”
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s significant contribution to sports, he said that 16 per cent of the country’s population resided in the state, and its athletes had secured an impressive 25 per cent of the medals in the Asian Games.
Acknowledging the achievements of the sportspersons in the National Games, he expressed that this event has been organised to further enhance their skills.
“On the occasion of Uttar Pradesh Diwas on January 24, we honoured all our personalities. On January 26, the Laxman Awards and Rani Lakshmibai Awards were presented to the personalities who performed brilliantly in sports at Raj Bhavan,” he added.
Yogi remarked further: “Rs 62 crore was allocated to 189 players while appointment letters were presented to seven players today. This exemplifies the positive impact of effective leadership. In the past, people had to pay bribe to get jobs whereas today, the government not only provides employment, but also financial support. Recognising distinguished individuals is a matter of national prestige, contributing to the restoration of our country’s honour and glory.”
In addition, there are plans to increase incentives for sports and players. Uttar Pradesh stands out as the leading state in the country, having provided jobs to over 500 players through the issuance of appointment letters. These positions range from deputy superintendent of police roles to recruitment in the police force.
Chief Minister Yogi emphasised the need for arrangements to support paraplayers, stating, “We can also give appointments to these medal-winning players. These are our personalities, who with their abilities, have increased the pride of the country and the state.”
Addressing young players, Chief Minister Yogi highlighted the abundance of opportunities available and the government’s commitment to honour and support those who bring good results. The state government, he added, has not only increased resources but also raised incentive amounts, provided jobs, and enhanced various facilities, with a promise of continued efforts in this direction.
The event was attended by Union Sports and Youth Welfare Minister Anurag Thakur, Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, and other ministers.