PM lays foundation stone of cricket stadium in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the international cricket stadium in Varanasi on Saturday. The modern international cricket stadium will be developed in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi at a cost of about Rs 450 crores and spread across an area of more than 30 acres. This international stadium will cater to the rising demand for stadiums in the country.

The thematic architecture of this stadium draws inspiration from Lord Shiva, with designs developed for crescent-shaped roof covers, trident-shaped lights, ghat steps-based seating, and Bilvipatra-shaped metallic sheets on the facade.

PM receives a warm welcome from people on his arrival at Varanasi

Varanasi Cricket Stadium Capacity

The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister expressed delight in getting the opportunity to visit Varanasi once again and remarked that the joy of this city is beyond words.

“One place of Shiv Shakti is on the moon, while the other one is here in Kashi,” the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting that the design of the International stadium dedicated to Lord Mahadev has instilled a feeling of pride among the citizens of Kashi. The PM said that the stadium would witness great cricket matches while the young athletes would get an opportunity to train at a stadium with international standards. “This will greatly benefit the citizens of Kashi”, he added.

PM Modi said that through cricket, the world is getting linked with India and many new countries are playing cricket leading to a greater number of matches.

Sports Infrastructure

While noting the importance of sports infrastructure, the Prime Minister underlined that the development of sports infrastructure of such scale not only has a positive effect on sports but also has a positive impact on the regional economy. He mentioned that such developments attract more visitors which greatly benefits sectors such as hotels, eateries, rickshaws, and auto drivers as well as oarsmen in the region. PM highlighted that it also has a positive effect on sports coaching and management institutions thereby paving the way for youth to venture into sports startups. He also touched upon physiotherapy courses and said that a new sports industry is expected to shape up in Varanasi in the coming days.

“Now the mood of the nation is – Jo Khelega wo hi Khilega (one who will play will blossom)”, the PM added.

He also described the change in Kashi towards sports. Modi said that that effort is to provide world-level sports facilities to the youth of Kashi. That is why, along with this stadium 400 crore rupees are being spent on Sigra stadium where facilities are being developed for more than 50 sports. This is going to be the first multi-sports complex which will be divyang friendly. The Prime Minister informed that along with the new construction, old systems are being improved as well.

Sporting Potential in Villages

PM Modi acknowledged the presence of sporting potential in every village, city nook, and corner of the country and emphasized the need to find them and develop their skills.

He said, “Youth coming from small towns and villages have become the pride of the nation today. Good coaches and good coaching are equally important to encourage and hone new talent.”

The PM informed that under the new National Education Policy sports is treated as a proper subject rather than an extracurricular activity. First National Sports University was established in Manipur. In Uttar Pradesh, thousands of crore rupees are being spent on the expansion of sports infrastructure. The expansion of a sports college in Gorakhpur and the establishment of Major Dhyan Chand University in Meerut are significant sports developments..

“The expansion of sports infrastructure is essential for the development of a nation”, the Prime Minister emphasized.

The Prime Minister credited the people of Kashi for all the development efforts that are going on in the city. “Nothing can be realized in Kashi without you. With your support and blessings we will keep on scripting new chapters of Kashi’s development”, the Prime Minister concluded.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath, and the president of BCCI, Roger Binny along with other key members and cricketers were present on the occasion.

Speaking at foundation stone laying ceremony of International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi. It will help popularise sports and nurture sporting talent among youngsters. https://t.co/mcWhBvdTr7
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2023