Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has underscored the state government’s efforts to enhance opportunities for women in sports. He announced that athletes achieving success in major competitions would be eligible for direct recruitment through the ‘Padak Lao, Pad Pao’ scheme. This initiative aims to encourage female athletes by providing them with tangible rewards for their accomplishments.

In his message, Adityanath extended greetings for Navratri and invoked the figure of Maa Katyayani, symbolising courage and determination. He noted that since 2017, there has been a significant transformation in the sports landscape of Uttar Pradesh, with increased support and resources directed towards athletes, particularly women.

The Chief Minister claimed that prior to 2017, women athletes faced numerous challenges, including an environment of fear and lawlessness that hindered their aspirations. He alleged that sports facilities were often controlled by mafias, which restricted young women’s ability to pursue their sporting goals. This situation has reportedly changed with the government’s focus on improving sports infrastructure.

Expansion of Sports Infrastructure

Adityanath highlighted the extensive development of sports facilities over the past nine and a half years. He mentioned that the state has seen the establishment of village playgrounds, block-level mini stadiums, and district stadiums. Additionally, he pointed out the creation of divisional sports colleges and the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University located in Meerut, which are designed to foster athletic talent.

Under the ‘Padak Lao, Pad Pao’ initiative, athletes who secure medals at prestigious events such as the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games are rewarded with cash prizes amounting to lakhs and crores of rupees. This financial support is intended to motivate women athletes and encourage their participation in competitive sports.

Adityanath also cited several prominent women athletes from Uttar Pradesh who have excelled on both national and international stages. These include athletes like Parul Chaudhary, Priyanka Goswami, Prachi Chaudhary, and Annu Rani, along with judoka Asmita Dey, cricketers Deepti Sharma and Meghna Singh, hockey player Vandana Kataria, and wrestler Divya Kakran. Their achievements have reportedly brought recognition to both Uttar Pradesh and India.

Linking Sports to Women’s Empowerment

The Chief Minister connected the state’s sports initiatives to the broader theme of women’s empowerment. He asserted that the advancements in sports infrastructure and institutional support have created an environment where women can pursue their sporting ambitions more effectively. This focus on empowerment is seen as essential for fostering a culture of participation among women in various sports disciplines.

Adityanath’s statements reflect a commitment to not only improving sports facilities but also ensuring that women athletes receive the recognition and support they deserve. This approach aims to inspire future generations of female athletes in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

As the state continues to develop its sports ecosystem, the government’s initiatives are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of women in sports. With ongoing support and investment, Uttar Pradesh aims to become a leading state in nurturing female athletic talent.

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