UP CM Yogi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of 879 development projects worth Rs 700 cr

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], October 13 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath participated in the prize distribution program of 'Sansad Khel-Khud Pratiyogita 2023' in Lucknow in which he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 879 development projects worth Rs 700 crore.
Speaking on occasion, CM Yogi said that India's strength and capability have been demonstrated at the Asian Games held in China.
Notably, Indian athletes achieved a historic milestone by surpassing the century mark, securing 107 medals, driven by the encouragement of the Prime Minister. Out of these, 25 per cent medals were won by athletes hailing from Uttar Pradesh.
During the event, he said, "The 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 programs initiated by the Uttar Pradesh government to support players. To get the job of DSP, it was necessary to win a gold medal."
"A reward of three crore and the position of Deputy Superintendent of Police awaits athletes winning gold medals. Whenever they will say, we will issue the appointment letters," he added.
He further congratulated MP Smriti Irani and 1.11 lakh players for participating in the grand event.
CM Yogi expressed 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 prioritize fitness. This call has sparked a surge in sports competitions all over the country, a trend further reinforced by the Fit India Movement.
"In this series, organizing 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," he said.
CM Yogi also 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 added.
"If we all work with full strength, then one day the players of Amethi will also go to the Asian Commonwealth, Olympics, and 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", he underlined.
The Chief Minister 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 emphasized.
He further 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, CM Yogi said.
CM Yogi said that a new program is about to come regarding the 'Saansad Sanskritik Karyakram.'
"Cultural events will give new heights to positivity. Just a few days ago, the Prime Minister 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, folk singing, and folk music," he said.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of introducing new competitions and cultural events.
He further said, "Women traditionally sing at weddings, and various village programs are organized 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 centres in every district, youth can be given a platform," he said.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is setting up the first sports university in the name of Major Dhyanchand in Meerut.
This international standard university will serve as a platform to enhance the sporting talents of Uttar Pradesh. Meerut has been designated as the centre for sports development (One District, One Product) in the state. Currently, the Cricket World Cup is taking place at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Inspired by the Prime Minister, various events in UP are gaining a new platform, he added.
Residents of Amethi heard a video message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian Olympic Association President/Rajya Sabha MP PT Usha.
During the event, Amethi MP and Union Minister Smriti Irani, Legislative Council member and BJP State President Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary, State Government Minister Dharampal Singh, Amethi in-charge and Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, Minister of State Mayankeshwar Sharan Singh, North-East Delhi MP and actor Manoj Tiwari, District Panchayat President Rajesh Agrahari, MLAs Suresh Kumar Pasi, Ashok Kori, Legislative Council members Govind Narayan Shukla, Shailendra Pratap Singh etc. were present.
CM Yogi Adityanath and Amethi MP Smriti Irani honoured the first-prize winners of various competitions. More than two dozen children received awards from the Chief Minister and he also interacted with the winners. (ANI)