Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for changing people's perception of sports and players in India over the last nine years of his tenure while he spoke to an audience on Sunday in Varanasi.
The foundation stone of the first International Cricket Stadium in Ganjari, Varanasi was laid by Prime Minister Modi.
What did CM Yogi Adityanath say?
Calling Varanasi the world's oldest and spiritual city, CM Yogi Adityanath claimed that under PM Modi's leadership the city has received overall development.
CM then welcomed PM Modi and the legendary cricket players present at the ceremony, he reportedly said, "PM Modi has once again come to Kashi today with many gifts. For the first time, an International Cricket Stadium being constructed by BCCI in Uttar Pradesh."
"After the unprecedented success of G-20, the Prime Minister has arrived in his own Kashi today with many achievements. On this occasion, on behalf of the UP government and the people of Kashi, I extend a hearty welcome to him. During the G-20, global leaders have seen closely the potential and power of India. Not only this, in the presence of global leaders in accordance with Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, India's 140 crore people have experienced the country emerging as a global power," the CM said.
Former cricket players like Sunil Gavaskar, Kapil Dev, Gundappa Vishwanath, Sachin Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri, Dilip Vengsarkar, Madan Lal, Gopal Sharma, Neetu David, Shubhangi Kulkarni were welcomed to Kashi as the Chief Minister said that all of them have taken Indian cricket to new heights and the passion of cricket reached every home.
The CM also thanked the BCCI's Chairman Roger Binny, Secretary Jai Shah and Vice President Rajeev Shukla for their specific interest in constructing an international cricket stadium at Varanasi.
Further, CM said, "During the last 9 years we have seen a new work culture in the entire country. There has been unprecedented development in every field. Khelo India, Fit India, Sansad Sports Competition have changed the perception of people about sports and players in the country."
"Along with this, the work of establishing Khelo India Center in every district. sports ground in every village and mini stadium in every development block is progressing rapidly for sports infrastructure. Sigra Stadium is being redeveloped through Smart City in Varanasi. For the first time, the foundation stone of the third international cricket stadium of UP is being laid by BCCI," CM Yogi added.
