Mayawati pledges makeover of Uttar Pradesh sports infra

The gloomy sports infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, especially in the vast hinterland, is in for a major boost with public investment to the tune of Rs 200 crore.

The state government has accorded priority to traditional sports like kabaddi, kho-kho, swimming, volleyball, football, hockey and athletics, which do not require expensive equipment and infrastructure.

UP Chief Minister Mayawati today announced the government was making all efforts to spruce up the sports infrastructure at the state, district and division levels.

“We are giving special emphasis to strengthen the basic sports infrastructure and develop the sports culture in the state and providing all modern sports facilities,” she said during a ceremony to felicitate UP sportspersons, who had secured podium finish in the 2010 Asian Games, China and 2010 Commonwealth Games, New Delhi.

She directed the sports department for regular holding of sports meet in rural areas. The officials have been asked to prepare a ‘sports calendar’ in coordination with education and youth welfare department and implement it from 2011-12 academic session.

On her birthday on January 15, Mayawati had laid the foundation of two sports colleges in Saharanpur and Fatehpur districts entailing investment of Rs 87 crore and Rs 81 crore respectively. Besides, other sports projects worth Rs 6 crore were also unveiled. Besides, stadiums are being constructed in all the new districts of UP and swimming pools developed in 10 districts. Already the government approved development of two international sports complexes and Astroturf hockey ground in two districts.

Meanwhile, Mayawati applauded the sportspersons saying their feat had proved there was no dearth of sports talent in UP. A total of 16 sportspersons in disciplines including athletics, shooting, kabaddi, rowing, golf, gymnastics, hockey, wrestling and weightlifting were feted with Manyawar Shree Kanshiram Ji Antarrashtriya Khel Puruskar 2010 and collectively given away cash prizes worth Rs 2 crore, citation and memento.

Gold, silver and bronze medal winners in individual events were given Rs 15 lakh, Rs 10 lakh and Rs 8 lakh respectively, while in team events the prize was Rs 10 lakh, Rs 8 lakh and Rs 6 lakh respectively.