'Maa Katyayani Symbolizes Invincible Women Power': CM Yogi Hails UP Sports Surge

Extending heartfelt greetings to the people of the state on the auspicious sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri dedicated to the worship of Maa Katyayani, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stated that the revered warrior goddess embodies the indomitable courage, unwavering resolve, and invincible valor of women power (Nari Shakti). In a public statement shared on social platform X, the Chief Minister underlined how faith, cultural heritage, and modern developmental governance have converged to write a transformative saga for the state's daughters. Highlighting the state's landmark "Bring Medal, Get Post" (Medal Lao, Pad Pao) recruitment initiative, CM Yogi noted that Uttar Pradesh has firmly stepped away from the era of fear and administrative neglect, creating a world-class athletic ecosystem where female sporting talent receives direct gazetted appointments, cash awards worth crores, and lifelong security.

Pre-2017 Era vs Today: Breaking Free from the Shackles of Fear and Mafia Encroachments

Taking a sharp retrospective look at previous political dispensations, the Chief Minister underscored the dramatic turnaround achieved in female security and institutional sports governance over the past nine and a half years:

• Overcoming Fear and Neglect: CM Yogi pointed out that prior to 2017, Uttar Pradesh was held back by systemic lawlessness and pervasive insecurity, where young girls' aspirations were restricted within four walls and genuine athletic potential withered due to an absence of state patronage.

• Reclaiming Encroached Playgrounds: In previous decades, community playfields and open sports grounds were routinely encroached upon by land mafias and criminal elements, depriving rural youth of basic training spaces.

• A Culture of Security and Respect: The administration has replaced intimidation with proactive safety, institutional apathy with continuous motivation, and chronic resource deficits with an unprecedented statewide expansion of modern sporting infrastructure.

Village Playgrounds to Major Dhyan Chand Sports University: The Grassroots Pipeline

To cultivate world-class athletes, the state government has laid down a comprehensive multi-tiered sports infrastructure model reaching from village panchayats to international training hubs:

• Gram Panchayat & Block Level Infrastructure: Village-level open playfields and block-level mini-stadiums have been developed across all 75 districts to spot raw athletic talent at an early age.

• District & Divisional Centers: Modernized district-level stadiums and specialized divisional sports residential colleges provide professional coaching, scientific diet plans, and cutting-edge fitness gear.

• Apex Sports Institution: The construction of the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut provides athletes with elite academic programs, world-class synthetic tracks, Olympic-standard aquatic arenas, and modern sports science laboratories to prepare for premier global championships.

'Bring Medal, Get Post': Crores in Cash Rewards and Gazetted Government Appointments

Detailing the government's flagship welfare framework for international and national medal winners, the Chief Minister highlighted direct incentives that guarantee long-term social dignity and financial stability:

• Direct Bureaucratic Recruitment: Under the historic "Bring Medal, Get Post" policy, medalists representing the country in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games are granted direct appointments to prestigious government positions, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and district sports officer ranks.

• Multimillion-Rupee Cash Grants: The administration awards cash incentives running into millions and crores of rupees to podium finishers, ensuring financial independence and allowing players to focus entirely on elite training regimens without economic distress.

• Holistic Athlete Support: By honoring past achievements and securing prospective livelihoods, the state government has created an empowering platform that turns sports into a viable, respected career for young women across rural and urban Uttar Pradesh.

International Glory: UP’s Daughters Dominate Global Athletic Podiums

The Chief Minister proudly highlighted several trailblazing women athletes whose performances have brought international prestige to India and Uttar Pradesh across the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and global championships:

• Athletics Powerhouses: Parul Chaudhary (steeplechase and 5000m), Priyanka Goswami (race walk), Prachi Chaudhary (sprint relay), and Annu Rani (javelin throw).

• Combat & Contact Disciplines: Asmita Dey in judo and Divya Kakran in wrestling, who broke barriers on international mats.

• Team Sport Champions: Deepti Sharma and Meghna Singh in women's cricket, alongside veteran hockey forward Vandana Katariya, who have consistently elevated Indian sports on global platforms through exceptional discipline and skill.