Yogi Adityanath Honors Athletes with Jobs and Awards
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has honored six international medalists with government appointments and distributed awards and financial assistance to numerous athletes, recognizing their achievements in various sports. The ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan.
Key Appointments Announced
Cricketer Rinku Singh, a member of India’s T20 World Cup 2026 squad, has been appointed as a Regional Sports Officer. Other appointments include Rajkumar Pal, a bronze medalist in hockey at the Paris Olympics, as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP). Paralympic gold medalist Praveen Kumar will also serve as DSP, while Paralympic silver medallist Ajit Singh has been named a District Panchayat Raj Officer. Paralympic 200m bronze medallist Simran will also hold the same post, and Preetipal will be appointed as a Block Development Officer (BDO).
Financial Rewards and Recognition
Nine athletes were awarded the Lakshman and Rani Lakshmibai Awards for the 2024–25 year, each receiving a cash prize of Rs 3.11 lakh and a bronze statuette. Incentive amounts were also distributed to nine players, and financial assistance was electronically transferred to the accounts of 19 players through the Eklavya Fund.
Government Commitment to Sports Development
“The more hard work and sweat they put in, the closer the victory will be.”
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath
The Chief Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to fostering a sports environment throughout the state. He noted a significant increase in the sports budget over the past nine years, with Rs 200 crore in incentives given to players. Plans are underway to build mini stadiums in every development block and sports colleges in every division, with additional support through MP and MLA funds. The Major Dhyanchand Sports University in Meerut is nearing completion and is slated to open in May-June.
Over 500 Athletes Appointed to Government Posts
The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed more than 500 players to government services. Prize money for Olympic medals is set at Rs 6 crore for gold, Rs 4 crore for silver, and Rs 2 crore for bronze.
Rinku Singh’s Absence and a Lighthearted Moment
Rinku Singh was unable to attend the ceremony for personal reasons. During the event, the Chief Minister shared a humorous anecdote about his Principal Secretary, who jokingly claimed to be a player due to his childhood gilli-danda games near Nepal. The Chief Minister playfully remarked, one does not become an international player just by throwing the ball towards Nepal.
Award Recipients
- Lakshman Award: Uttam Singh (Hockey), Abhijeet Kumar (Gymnastics), Jonty Kumar (Wrestling), Yash Kumar (Para Canoeing), Praveen Kumar (Para Athletics)
- Rani Lakshmibai Award: Prachi (Athlete), Tanya Chaudhary (Athlete), Vantika Aggarwal (Chess), Pragati Kesarwani (Para Table Tennis)
Additional Financial Assistance
Gorakhpur’s para powerlifting player Vinay received Rs 40 lakh, Meerut’s Wushu and shooting player Vikrant Baliyan received Rs 15 lakh, Baghpat’s shooter Sagar Dangi received Rs 15 lakh, Gorakhpur’s mountaineer Lieutenant Colonel Bhanu Pathak received Rs 15 lakh, Ghaziabad’s mountaineer Deepak Kumar received Rs 15 lakh, Lucknow’s soft tennis player Tanushree Pandey received Rs 14 lakh, Lucknow’s soft tennis player Om Yadav received Rs 12 lakh, Ghazipur’s hockey player Rajkumar Pal received Rs 10 lakh and Agra’s para canoeing player Yash Kumar received Rs 10 lakh.
FAQ
What is the Eklavya Kreeda Kosh?
The Eklavya Kreeda Kosh is a fund used to provide financial assistance to sportspersons in Uttar Pradesh.
How much prize money is awarded for an Olympic gold medal?
The Uttar Pradesh government awards Rs 6 crore for winning a gold medal in the Olympics.
How many athletes have been appointed to government services in Uttar Pradesh?
Over 500 athletes have been appointed to government services in Uttar Pradesh.