CM Yogi Adityanath to build 18 football stadiums and 827 football grounds in Uttar Pradesh

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, has announced a plan to build 18 football stadiums across the state's 18 commissariats.

Football Grounds in Every Block

To further promote the game, the Chief Minister has said that 827 football grounds will also be prepared in every block across the state. This initiative aims to ensure adequate football facilities and encourage hosting more tournaments.

AIFF President Lauds Rapid Stadium Renovation

All India Football Federation President Kalyan Chaubey praised the Uttar Pradesh government’s efforts before the Derby match in Lucknow, in the presence of the Chief Minister. He shared, "On August 8, I had the privilege of meeting you (the UP CM). After realizing your love and dedication towards football, I made a request to you. I said a match like Derby if played in Lucknow would help toward the growth of football in UP. But having a good stadium to host the match could be a problem. To my great surprise, the Government of UP took only 19 days to renovate the KD Singh Babu Stadium for the big occasion. This is a matter of great pleasure for every football lover in the city of Lucknow."

Historic Kolkata Derby in Lucknow

On Monday, the KD Singh Babu Stadium hosted its first Kolkata Derby in Lucknow, marking a historic event as Mohun Bagan Super Giant defeated East Bengal FC 1(3)-1(2) on penalties. Addressing the public at the stadium, the UP CM remarked, "It is of great importance to us that this prestigious match is being played in our state's capital, Lucknow for the first time. The Khelo India initiative, championed by PM Narendra Modi, has been a key driver of sports in India, and inspired by his vision, UP has aligned itself with the mission," as quoted by the All India Football Federation (AIFF).

Commitment to Football's Growth in UP

"When I met Shri Chaubey three weeks ago, he wished for a stage to popularize football in Uttar Pradesh and said that the process could be sped up should the sport receive the government's support," added the Chief Minister.

(With ANI inputs)