CM Yogi rewards winners of the state-level wrestling competition organized on Nag Panchami at Gorakhnath temple

Gorakhpur– Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Tuesday, reaffirmed the Uttar Pradesh government’s strong commitment to developing sports infrastructure and supporting athletes. “Over the past eight years, this resolve has shown clear results—sports facilities have reached even the village level, and medal-winning athletes are being rewarded with cash prizes and government jobs. Today, Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in providing government employment to athletes who bring honor to the state and country on global platforms,” he remarked.

CM Yogi made these remarks during the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the two-day State-Level Senior Prize Money Men’s Wrestling Competition held on Gorakhnath Temple premises on the occasion of Nag Panchami. The Sports Department and the District Wrestling Association jointly organized the event.

He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the sports landscape in India has transformed significantly over the past 11 years. He said, “The launch of the ‘Khelo India‘ initiative in 2014 not only encouraged participation in sports, but also made youth across the country aware of the importance of physical fitness and discipline. This momentum has resulted in exceptional performances by Indian athletes in global events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships, where athletes from Uttar Pradesh have also made their mark.”

Highlighting the state’s efforts, CM Yogi said that in the last eight years, the government has taken comprehensive steps to strengthen the sports ecosystem. He added, “From village playgrounds to mini stadiums at the block level and full-fledged stadiums at the district level, the government has ensured the creation of quality infrastructure across all levels.”

He noted, “Additionally, medal winners and participants in national and international competitions are being duly recognized and honored. Through Yuvak Mangal Dals and Mahila Mangal Dals, sports kits have been distributed in villages to promote grassroots engagement in sports.”

He proudly shared that more than 500 international medal-winning athletes from the state have already been appointed to government positions. Notably, athletes from the Uttar Pradesh Police played a pivotal role in securing India’s third position in the recent Police World Championship.

Quoting the ancient Indian maxim “Sharir Madhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam,” CM Yogi emphasized the importance of a healthy body as a means to fulfill all pursuits in life. He underlined that a disciplined lifestyle, supported by regular sports activities, is essential for physical and mental well-being. He urged citizens, especially the youth, to be associated with at least one sport, not only for personal health but also to contribute to the pride of their family, society, state, and country.

The Chief Minister also highlighted the rich tradition of wrestling competitions held in the courtyard of the Gorakhnath Temple, a legacy that spans several centuries. In recent years, this age-old event has been elevated to a state-level competition and has become a source of enthusiasm and inspiration for the youth of Uttar Pradesh.

Extending greetings on the occasion of Nag Panchami, CM Yogi explained its spiritual significance, calling it a celebration of divine energy and physical strength. He said that in Indian tradition, every living being possesses spiritual power, referred to as the “serpent power”. This festival not only reflects reverence for nature and animals but also serves as a symbolic expression of physical and spiritual synergy, particularly through the wrestling competitions held on this day.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath witnessed the final matches of the Uttar Pradesh Kesari, Uttar Pradesh Kumar, and Uttar Pradesh Veer Abhimanyu wrestling titles, applauding the wrestlers and boosting their morale with thunderous claps. On this occasion, the Chief Minister presented cash prizes and mementoes to the winners and runners-up.

Uttar Pradesh Kesari: Jonty Bhati from Gautam Buddh Nagar was awarded ₹1.01 lakh and a mace for clinching the title, while runner-up Uttam Rana from Baghpat received ₹51,000. Uttar Pradesh Kumar: Saurabh from the Gorakhpur Sports Hostel was awarded ₹1.01 lakh and a mace for winning the title, and Raman Singh from Gorakhpur received ₹25,000 as the runner-up. Veer Abhimanyu Title: Monu from Gonda was honoured with ₹51,000 and a mace for securing the title, while runner-up Janardan from Gorakhpur received ₹25,000. In addition, third-place finishers in various categories were also felicitated. Uttar Pradesh Kesari: Mayank Tomar (Baghpat) and Veeresh Kundu (NE Railway) received ₹21,000 each. Uttar Pradesh Kumar: Mohit (Gonda) and Amit Yadav (Jaunpur) received ₹21,000 each. Veer Abhimanyu: Abhishek Yadav (Sports College Gorakhpur) and Satish (Baghpat) were given ₹11,000 each.

During the closing and award ceremony of the State-Level Prize Money Wrestling Competition, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Sports and Youth Welfare, Girish Chandra Yadav, praised the efforts of the Yogi government. He said that under CM Yogi’s dynamic leadership, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly scaling new heights of development and becoming a model state. He highlighted that several historic decisions have been taken to strengthen sports infrastructure and encourage young athletes, resulting in the spread of a vibrant sports culture across the state. Notably, playgrounds have been developed in over 20,000 Gram Panchayats.

The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Mayor Dr. Manglesh Shrivastava, BJP State Vice President and MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLAs Vipin Singh, Mahendrapal Singh, and Pradeep Shukla, Mahant Ravindradas of Kalibari, Sports Director Dr. R.P. Singh, Former Vice President of the Youth Welfare Council Dr. Vibhraat Chand Kaushik, District Wrestling Association President Dinesh Singh, District Kabaddi Association President Arunesh Shahi, District Hockey Association President Manish Singh, Wrestling Association officials Aditya Singh, Maya Shankar Shukla, Suresh Chandra Upadhyay, Kamal Kishore Varshney, and Jai Yaduvanshi, BJP District President Janardan Tiwari.