From village playgrounds to stadiums, CM Yogi Adityanath maps UP's sports plan at TOISA 2025
LUCKNOW: UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the gathering at the Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) 2025 in Lucknow, highlighting the role of sport in shaping society and recognising athletes for their performances over the past year.
He spoke about the progress of sports infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, noting efforts to create facilities for training and competition across districts. "Over the past 11–12 years, a sports culture has developed in the country. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have taken this forward in Uttar Pradesh since 2017," he said.
Highlighting grassroots initiatives, the UP chief minister added, "We have made it mandatory to have a playground in every village across more than 57,000 gram panchayats." He also outlined steps taken at multiple administrative levels, stating, "We have made budgetary provisions to ensure a mini stadium at the block level, and work has begun on developing large stadiums at the district level."
He further pointed to institutional development in the sector, saying, "The Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut has become operational."
The UP CM also acknowledged the achievements of Indian athletes on the international stage, stating that their performances have contributed to the country’s standing in global sport. He emphasised the importance of continued investment in sports development and talent identification.
During his address, he highlighted the contribution of athletes from Uttar Pradesh across disciplines, including cricket, hockey, athletics and para-sports, and said their success reflects the growing sports culture in the state.
He also spoke about the role of youth participation in sports, underlining the need to encourage young athletes and provide them with opportunities to compete and progress.
UP CM also congratulated all award winners and participants at TOISA 2025, recognising their efforts and dedication to their respective sports.
He concluded by reiterating the state government’s commitment to strengthening the sports ecosystem and supporting athletes in achieving success at national and international levels.
He spoke about the progress of sports infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, noting efforts to create facilities for training and competition across districts. "Over the past 11–12 years, a sports culture has developed in the country. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we have taken this forward in Uttar Pradesh since 2017," he said.
Highlighting grassroots initiatives, the UP chief minister added, "We have made it mandatory to have a playground in every village across more than 57,000 gram panchayats." He also outlined steps taken at multiple administrative levels, stating, "We have made budgetary provisions to ensure a mini stadium at the block level, and work has begun on developing large stadiums at the district level."
He further pointed to institutional development in the sector, saying, "The Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut has become operational."
The UP CM also acknowledged the achievements of Indian athletes on the international stage, stating that their performances have contributed to the country’s standing in global sport. He emphasised the importance of continued investment in sports development and talent identification.
During his address, he highlighted the contribution of athletes from Uttar Pradesh across disciplines, including cricket, hockey, athletics and para-sports, and said their success reflects the growing sports culture in the state.
He also spoke about the role of youth participation in sports, underlining the need to encourage young athletes and provide them with opportunities to compete and progress.
UP CM also congratulated all award winners and participants at TOISA 2025, recognising their efforts and dedication to their respective sports.
He concluded by reiterating the state government’s commitment to strengthening the sports ecosystem and supporting athletes in achieving success at national and international levels.
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