Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath today announced to allocate space to the Rowing Federation of India (RFI) in Gorakhpur to establish a world-class rowing sports center.
In fact, the state will take steps to expand water sports opportunities across major lakes in UP.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of the 25th Sub Junior National Rowing Championship at Ramgarhtal in Gorakhpur, the CM highlighted the vast potential for rowing in UP.
“Our rowers have the capability to compete and win medals in the Olympics and other international events,” he added.
To develop these talents, the government will provide space in the world-class water sports complex near Ramgarhtal for a rowing sports centre at the request of the RFI.
He also referred to the abundance of natural lakes in UP, indicating that similar efforts will be made to expand rowing opportunities in such water bodies.
The CM emphasised that sports not only contribute to physical and mental well-being but have also become a promising avenue for career growth.
Yogi highlighted measures undertaken by the state to promote sports and motivate players. As part of this effort, sports grounds and open gyms are being rapidly developed in all 57,000-gram panchayats, alongside mini stadiums at the block level and stadiums at the district level.
The construction of the state’s first world-class sports university, named in the honour of hockey legend Major Dhyanchand, is progressing fast in Meerut.
To motivate athletes, the state has announced significant cash prizes for Olympic medalists. Gold medalists in individual Olympic events will receive Rs 6 crore, silver medalists Rs 4 crore, and bronze medalists Rs 2 crore.
In Olympic team events, the prizes are set at Rs 3 crore for gold, Rs 2 crore for silver, and Rs 1 crore for bronze. Additionally, every state athlete participating in the Olympics receives an incentive of Rs 10 lakh.
Asian Games gold medalists are awarded Rs 3 crore, silver medalists Rs 1.5 crore, and bronze medalists Rs 75 lakh. For the Commonwealth Games and World Championships, cash awards are Rs 1.5 crore for gold, Rs 75 lakh for silver, and Rs 50 lakh for bronze.
Similarly, winners in the SAF and National Games are also rewarded with cash prizes.
The state is also appointing experienced athletes as coaches, providing them with an honorarium of Rs 1.5 lakh per month. Additionally, Padma award-winning athletes receive financial assistance of Rs 20,000 per month.
For athletes with disabilities, monthly financial support is provided as follows: Rs 10,000 for international-level players, Rs 6,000 for national-level players, and Rs 4,000 for state-level players.
“Ramgarhtal has emerged as a prime destination for both sports and tourism, with new hotels around the lake and the addition of a floating restaurant,” Yogi added.