Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged parents to support their children’s interest in sports, saying that playing games not only helps young people build successful careers but also keeps them away from social evils like drug abuse. In his latest message to the people of the state, “Yogi Ki Paati”, the Chief Minister highlighted the government’s efforts to improve sports infrastructure, training facilities and employment opportunities for athletes across Uttar Pradesh. The government is providing better facilities, training, and employment opportunities for athletes.
The Chief Minister wrote, “The sports field is a source of pride. The Uttar Pradesh men’s team won 20 medals at the 65th National and International Senior Athletics Championships, becoming champions for the first time. Just before this, the contribution of five players from Uttar Pradesh to the Indian team that won the gold medal at the Men’s Under-18 Hockey Asia Cup in Japan was also a matter of pride for the state.”
मेरे सम्मानित प्रदेशवासियों,
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) July 6, 2026
खेल का मैदान गौरवान्वित कर रहा है। सरकार उत्कृष्ट प्रदर्शन करने वाले खिलाड़ियों के सम्मान एवं सुरक्षित भविष्य के लिए सरकारी नौकरी प्रदान कर रही है।
आज प्रत्येक ग्राम पंचायत में खेल मैदान, ब्लॉक में मिनी स्टेडियम तथा प्रत्येक जनपद में आधुनिक स्टेडियम… pic.twitter.com/NPYxt42vYf
Yogi Adityanath also praised several sportspersons from the state who have brought recognition to Uttar Pradesh. He mentioned cricketer Divit Sharma, Paralympic high jumper Praveen Kumar, javelin thrower Annu Rani, visually impaired sprinter Simran Sharma and chess Grandmaster Vantika Agrawal as examples of the state’s growing sporting talent.
He said Simran Sharma was identified and trained in Lucknow before going on to represent India, while Vantika Agrawal continues to make the country proud on the international chess stage.
‘Champions are not made in a day’
Highlighting the government’s long-term vision, the Chief Minister said sporting excellence cannot be achieved overnight and requires sustained investment in infrastructure, coaching and policy support.
The Chief Minister wrote, “Champions aren’t made in a day, and sports culture isn’t created overnight. Sports policies have been changed, along with skill development, training, and increased facilities for athletes in the state. Various competitions are now not just sports for the youth of Uttar Pradesh, but a means to reach platforms like the Olympics. The state government is providing government jobs to outstanding athletes to ensure their respect and a secure future.”
He added, “Today, sports grounds are being developed in every gram panchayat, mini stadiums in blocks, and modern stadiums in every district. The Major Dhyan Chand Sports University is ready in Meerut. Sports colleges and centres of excellence will be established in every division, where athletes will receive world-class training, modern facilities, and expert guidance.”
‘Never suppress children’s sporting talent’, an appeal to parents
In his message, Yogi Adityanath made a special appeal to parents, asking them never to discourage their children’s sporting talent.
“I especially request parents not to suppress their children’s talent in sports. Sports do not only help win medals; they are also the strongest shield to keep children and young people away from harmful habits like drug addiction,” he said.
He added that sports teach important values such as good health, teamwork, discipline, dedication, respect, positivity, harmony and the ability to overcome challenges.
Concluding his message, the Chief Minister encouraged children and young people to make sports a regular part of their daily lives.
“Sports have become a strong career option for today’s youth. The spirit of sports teaches us to move forward together, accept challenges and always strive to perform better next time. These qualities become the foundation of success in life and help build a developed Uttar Pradesh,” he said.
