Yogi promotes direct recruitment for medal-winning sportspersons (Img: IANS)
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has highlighted the state government's policy of directly recruiting medal-winning sportspersons under the ‘Padak Lao, Pad Pao’ scheme, saying the initiative recognises sporting achievements while securing athletes' futures.
On the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri, Adityanath also extended greetings to the people of the state and invoked Maa Katyayani as a symbol of women's courage, determination and strength in overcoming obstacles.
In a post on X, the Chief Minister described the changes in Uttar Pradesh since 2017, contrasting the present situation with what he alleged was an atmosphere of fear and lawlessness under the previous government.
He said that before 2017, daughters faced restrictions on their aspirations, while talented sportspersons struggled because of a lack of opportunities and resources. According to Adityanath, sports grounds were under the control of mafias, and young women were denied the support needed to pursue their ambitions.
The Chief Minister said the state had witnessed a major transformation over the past nine and a half years, with greater security, encouragement for talent and investment in sports infrastructure.
Adityanath pointed to the development of sports facilities across different levels, from village playgrounds and block-level mini stadiums to district stadiums and divisional sports colleges. He also cited the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut as part of the state's efforts to provide athletes with better opportunities to develop their skills.
He said these facilities were helping young women and other sportspersons pursue their sporting ambitions with improved access to training and resources.
The Chief Minister said athletes who win medals at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games receive cash awards worth lakhs and crores of rupees. Direct recruitment under the ‘Padak Lao, Pad Pao’ initiative is another incentive being offered to recognise their achievements and provide career security.
He said the government was working to encourage sporting talent, honour athletes' performances and secure their future beyond competitive sports.
Adityanath also highlighted the achievements of athletes from Uttar Pradesh who have brought recognition to the state and the country at international sporting events.
In athletics, Parul Chaudhary, Priyanka Goswami, Prachi Chaudhary and Annu Rani have made their mark. Asmita Dey has represented the state in judo, while Deepti Sharma and Meghna Singh have made their contributions in cricket. Hockey player Vandana Kataria and wrestler Divya Kakran were also cited for their performances at the Commonwealth and Asian Games.
The Chief Minister said these achievements reflected the growing opportunities available to sportspersons in the state.
