Grand Sports Ecosystem Created Under PM Modi’s Leadership

CM Yogi honors the winners of the 46th Junior National Rowing Championship.

Government stands fully prepared to encourage sports infrastructure and athletes: CM Yogi.

Ramgarh Tal is the result of an excellent ecosystem developed in the sports sector: CM Yogi.

Gorakhpur, May 21: ( Raghwendra Pratap Singh) : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, a magnificent sports ecosystem has developed over the last 11–12 years in the country and in Uttar Pradesh, its most populous state. Under PM Modi’s leadership, sports infrastructure has expanded rapidly across the nation and state, with the government standing fully prepared to train and encourage athletes.

The CM noted that Ramgarh Lake (Ramgarh Tal) is a direct result of this excellent sports ecosystem. Before 2017, the Ramgarh Tal area was notorious for filth and crime. Today, it not only hosts national rowing competitions but has also become the training ground for the National Women’s Team preparing for the Commonwealth Games.

The Chief Minister made these remarks on Thursday while addressing the closing and prize distribution ceremony of the 46th Junior National Rowing Championship, organized by the Rowing Federation of India at Ramgarh Tal.

Addressing the concluding event, which saw participation from rowing athletes representing 20 states, the CM emphasized that a nation’s future shines bright when its youth channel their energy and strength in a positive direction.”An athlete always works with positive thinking and team spirit.

Staying away from addiction and negativity, they connect society with positive energy through self-discipline,” the CM said.

‘Charaiveti-Charaiveti’ is the Mantra of Life

Reflecting on the fierce winds faced by the rowers during the competition, CM Yogi recalled lines by the great poet Sohanlal Dwivedi: “Laharom se darkar nauka paar nahi hoti, koshish karne walom ki kabhi haar nahi hoti” (A boat does not cross the river out of fear of the waves; those who try never lose). He remarked, “This is the truth of life: those who get scared vanish. Society, the country, and even God never forgive those who run away. Therefore, the ultimate mantra of life is ‘Charaiveti-Charaiveti’—keep moving forward, keep moving forward. Keep preparing yourself to face both favorable and unfavorable situations. Indian wisdom has always inspired this.

“Playgrounds Being Developed in Every Village

The Chief Minister highlighted the stark contrast in Uttar Pradesh’s sports infrastructure over the years. In a state that completely lacked sports facilities prior to 2017, playgrounds are now being developed in every village, mini-stadia at the block level, and full-fledged stadiums at the district level. Sports competitions are being organized at the grassroots village level.Under PM Modi’s leadership, sports activities have accelerated across the nation through initiatives like: Khelo India Khelo & Fit India MovementSansad Khelkood Pratiyogita (MP Sports Competition)Vidhayak Khelkood Pratiyogita (MLA Sports Competition)Rural Sports Leagues Additionally, inspired by the Prime Minister, an international cricket stadium is being constructed in Varanasi, and the foundation stone for another international cricket stadium was recently laid in Gorakhpur.

Direct Government Jobs for 534 Medal Winners

CM Yogi pointed out that previous governments lacked a dedicated sports policy.”Our government developed a comprehensive sports policy. We guaranteed government jobs to medal winners of national and international competitions. So far, 534 medal winners from the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships have been directly recruited into the Police, Revenue, and other departments. The process to recruit another 500 athletes through direct entry has already begun.”Rowers Propel the ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ VisionThe CM praised the nearly 300 athletes from 20 states participating in the 46th Junior National Rowing Championship for advancing PM Modi’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat-Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).

He noted that rowing competitions are growing rapidly in India. The state government has developed a Water Sports Complex near Ramgarh Tal. Advanced facilities essential for World Championships—such as sports science, data analytics, mental fitness, and modern training—are now available in the country. In the coming days, Ramgarh Tal will host more competitions in rowing, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports.

Since India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Ramgarh Tal has been selected for the training of the women’s team. The CM directed the local administration to ensure all necessary facilities, expert coaches, and specialists are available for smooth training sessions.

Rich Potential for Water Sports in UP

The Chief Minister emphasized that Uttar Pradesh holds immense potential for water sports due to its holy rivers like the Ganga, Yamuna, Saryu, Gandak, and Rapti. Cities like Ballia, Kushinagar, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Kanpur possess a modern ecosystem ripe for promoting water sports.

CM Yogi Cheered for the Rowers

The Chief Minister witnessed two final events—the Girls’ 2km Double Sculls and the Boys’ 2km Quadruple Sculls—to cheer on the athletes, applauding their passion. Earlier, upon his arrival, officials from the Rowing Federation and Association welcomed him.

Statements from Ministers and Dignitaries

Girish Chandra Yadav (State Minister for Sports and Youth Welfare): Stated that under CM Yogi’s leadership, UP is setting an example of development across all sectors, providing top-tier infrastructure and immense encouragement to sports and sportspersons.

Ravi Kishan Shukla (MP, Gorakhpur): Commended the rapid pace of sports infrastructure in Gorakhpur. He noted that while the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium has been laid, Ramgarh Tal is now ready for international rowing events. He contrasted this with the previous Samajwadi Party regime, during which Ramgarh Tal was synonymous with filth, crime, and gunfire, whereas it now hosts prestigious national events under CM Yogi’s vision. The event was attended by several cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, and officials, including Cabinet Minister Dr. Sanjay Nishad, MP Vijay Dubey, UP Rowing Association Patron Pawan Singh Chauhan, and UP Rowing Association President Rani Pakshalika Singh, among others. M. Balaji Maradappa, President of the Rowing Federation of India, delivered the welcome address.

MP and Army Boys Crowned Overall Champions

Girls’ Category: Madhya Pradesh (MP) won the overall championship trophy.Boys’ Category: The Army Boys Sports Company team dominated to claim the overall championship.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath presented trophies to the winning teams and honored individual medalists by placing medals around their necks.