Uttar Pradesh Unveils Major Sports Investment in State Budget
Finance Minister Suresh Khanna has presented a comprehensive and ambitious plan for the advancement of sports and athletic infrastructure within Uttar Pradesh's latest budget. The total financial commitment stands at a substantial Rs 1,028 crore, signaling a strong governmental focus on nurturing sporting talent and building world-class facilities across the state.
Substantial Funding for New and Existing Projects
Out of the total allocation, a significant portion of Rs 297 crore has been specifically designated for the initiation of new sports-related projects. This forward-looking investment aims to create modern infrastructure from the ground up, addressing the growing demand for quality sporting venues and training centers.
Establishing Centers of Excellence and University Support
In a strategic move to elevate training standards, the government plans to develop State Centres of Excellence, modeled after the National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs). These centers will provide elite training environments for athletes. Furthermore, the Major Dhyan Chand State Sports University located in Meerut receives robust financial backing. An allocation of Rs 60 crore is provided for its operational expenses, with an additional Rs 30 crore earmarked for various developmental works on campus. The Sports College in Saharanpur also benefits, receiving Rs 2 crore to support its academic and athletic programs.
Major Infrastructure Redevelopment and Expansion
A key highlight of the budget is the proposed Rs 45 crore for the comprehensive redevelopment of the iconic Green Park International Cricket Stadium in Kanpur. This investment is expected to modernize the stadium, enhancing its facilities for both players and spectators. To expand educational infrastructure for sports, the budget allocates Rs 80 crore for the construction of new sports colleges in various divisions across Uttar Pradesh. Concurrently, another Rs 80 crore is approved for the construction of a new academic and administrative building at the sports university in Meerut, facilitating its growth and capacity.
Promoting Grassroots and Youth Engagement
To foster competitive spirit and grassroots participation, Rs 20 crore has been set aside specifically for the organization of sports competitions by Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). This initiative aims to decentralize sports promotion and engage local communities. Additionally, funds have been sanctioned for the construction of a departmental storehouse and residential facilities at the headquarters of the Youth Welfare and Provincial Guards Department, improving operational efficiency and support for youth programs.
This budgetary provision by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna represents a holistic approach to sports development, targeting infrastructure, education, elite training, and community-level engagement to build a stronger sporting ecosystem in Uttar Pradesh.
