LUCKNOW – Athletes in Uttar Pradesh are set to receive a significant boost, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announcing a Rs 10 lakh award for recipients of both the prestigious Laxman and Rani Lakshmibai Awards. The announcement came during a ceremony at Lok Bhavan where six athletes who recently won medals at the international level were presented with government job appointment letters. This commitment to supporting sporting talent underscores a broader effort by the state government to cultivate a robust sports ecosystem throughout Uttar Pradesh.
The awards, along with substantial incentive amounts and financial assistance from the Eklavya Fund, represent a considerable investment in the state’s athletes. Nine players were honored with the Laxman and Rani Lakshmibai awards, while 19 others received financial support through the Eklavya Fund. This initiative aims to provide not only recognition but also tangible resources to support athletes continue their pursuit of excellence. The focus on financial stability allows athletes to concentrate on training and competition without the added burden of economic hardship.
Expanding Opportunities Through Government Employment
Beyond the financial rewards, a key component of the government’s strategy is providing employment opportunities for successful athletes. More than 500 players have now been appointed to government services in Uttar Pradesh, a testament to the administration’s commitment to integrating athletes into the workforce. The incentive structure is also substantial: athletes who win Olympic gold receive Rs 6 crore, silver medalists receive Rs 4 crore, and bronze medalists receive Rs 2 crore. This system aims to incentivize peak performance on the world stage.
Notably, cricketer Rinku Singh was unable to attend the ceremony to receive his appointment letter, though the reason was not immediately specified. The event was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Sports Minister Girish Chandra Yadav, Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, and several members of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly.
From Athletes to Officers: New Roles for Sporting Stars
The appointments weren’t limited to symbolic gestures. Para athlete Praveen Kumar and hockey player Rajkumar Pal, who secured medals at the Paris Olympics, have been appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (Deputy SP). Other athletes received appointments to key administrative roles: Ajit Singh and Simran will serve as District Panchayat Raj Officers, and Preeti Pal as a Block Development Officer (BDO). These positions demonstrate a belief in the leadership qualities and discipline honed through athletic training.
Recognizing Excellence: Laxman and Rani Lakshmibai Awardees
The Laxman Award was presented to a diverse group of athletes, including hockey player Uttam Singh (Ghazipur), gymnast Abhijeet Kumar (Prayagraj), wrestler Jonty Kumar (Gautam Buddha Nagar), para canoeing player Yash Kumar (Agra), and para athletics player Praveen Kumar (Gautam Buddha Nagar). The Rani Lakshmibai Award recognized the achievements of athlete Prachi (Saharanpur), athlete Tanya Chaudhary (Baghpat), chess player Vantika Aggarwal (Gautam Buddha Nagar), and para table tennis player Pragati Kesarwani (Lucknow). These awards acknowledge dedication and achievement across a range of sporting disciplines.
Increased Investment in Sports Infrastructure
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to creating a thriving sports environment across Uttar Pradesh. He stated that the sports budget has been significantly increased, with Rs 200 crore in incentive amounts distributed to players over the past nine years. Livemint reported on the increased investment and the focus on grassroots development. This includes the construction of mini stadiums in every development block and sports colleges in every division, supported by funds from both Member of Parliament (MP) and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) allocations. The Major Dhyanchand Sports University in Meerut, now completed, is slated to open in May-June, further bolstering the state’s sporting infrastructure.
Additional financial recognition was given to several other athletes. Gorakhpur’s para powerlifting player Vinay received Rs 40 lakh, while Meerut’s Wushu and shooting player Vikrant Baliyan, Baghpat’s shooter Sagar Dangi, Gorakhpur’s mountaineer Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pathak, and Ghaziabad’s mountaineer Deepak Kumar each received Rs 15 lakh. Lucknow’s soft tennis players Tanushree Pandey and Om Yadav were awarded Rs 14 lakh and Rs 12 lakh respectively, while Ghazipur’s hockey player Rajkumar Pal and Agra’s para canoeing player Yash Kumar each received Rs 10 lakh.
A Lighthearted Moment and a Serious Commitment
The ceremony wasn’t without a touch of levity. The Chief Minister jokingly remarked on his Principal Secretary’s claim to athletic prowess, stemming from childhood games played near Nepal, quipping that international-level athleticism requires more than simply throwing a ball across a border. This lighthearted exchange underscored the seriousness of the occasion and the government’s dedication to fostering genuine sporting talent.
The initiatives announced represent a comprehensive approach to supporting athletes in Uttar Pradesh, encompassing financial rewards, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development. The state government’s commitment aims to create a sustainable ecosystem where athletes can thrive and represent Uttar Pradesh with pride on the national and international stage.
Looking ahead, the inauguration of the Major Dhyanchand Sports University in Meerut will be a key milestone, providing advanced training facilities and opportunities for aspiring athletes. The continued implementation of the Eklavya Fund and the ongoing appointments to government services will further solidify the state’s commitment to its sporting community.
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