By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Varanasi
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that sports in Uttar Pradesh and across the country have entered a new era marked by clearer vision, stronger institutional support, and growing self-confidence among athletes.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi, he said recent years have witnessed a transformational shift in India’s sporting ecosystem.
The championship was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while the Chief Minister attended the event in person at the Dr Sampurnanand Sports Stadium, where he interacted with players, coaches, and spectators from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, CM Yogi said that under the leadership and guidance of Prime Minister Modi, a “New Sports Culture” has emerged in India. “Sports today are no longer confined to recreation alone.
They have become a strong medium for building discipline, physical fitness, teamwork, and character among the youth, contributing directly to nation-building,” he said.
Expanded Opportunities for Young Athletes
The Chief Minister highlighted that improved sports infrastructure, transparent selection processes, and the mission-mode implementation of government schemes have significantly expanded opportunities for young sportspersons.
“From village panchayats to national-level competitions, the sports ladder has widened. As a result, athletes from Uttar Pradesh are now participating in greater numbers and winning medals at international platforms,” he noted.
He added that initiatives such as rural tournaments and MP-MLA Sports Competitions have helped identify talent at the grassroots level, ensuring that no promising athlete is left behind due to a lack of exposure or facilities.
MoU for National Centre of Excellence
During the inaugural ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding was exchanged between the Sports Authority of India and the Uttar Pradesh Sports Directorate for the operation of a National Centre of Excellence (NCOE). CM Yogi welcomed all 58 participating teams—30 men’s and 28 women’s—along with their coaches and officials, who have arrived in Kashi for the prestigious championship.
Khelo India and Fit India Driving Change
Reflecting on the broader national picture, CM Yogi said that over the last 11 to 11.5 years, every Indian has witnessed a visible rise in sports consciousness.
“Through the Khelo India initiative launched in 2014, Prime Minister Modi restored dignity to sports and linked physical fitness with holistic personality development,” he said.
He stressed that true success in life is only possible with a healthy body, adding that programmes such as Khelo India, the Fit India Movement, MP Sports Competitions, and the creation of sports infrastructure in every district have fundamentally reshaped India’s sporting landscape.
Championship Returns to UP After 43 Years
Recalling that the Senior National Volleyball Championship is being hosted in Uttar Pradesh after a gap of 43 years, CM Yogi described it as a moment of pride for the state.
He said the event, being organised by the Varanasi Municipal Corporation, reflects the inspiration and leadership of Prime Minister Modi.
The Chief Minister also pointed out that modern sports facilities developed across Uttar Pradesh mirror this vision.
The state-of-the-art infrastructure at Sampurnanand Sports Stadium, developed under the Smart City project, stands as a symbol of Varanasi’s evolving identity as both a spiritual and sporting hub.
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