PM lays foundation stone of International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi Ganjari will not only benefit sportspersons, but also boost economy of the eastern UP (Purvanchal).

Laying of the foundation stone of the International Cricket Stadium in Varanasi Ganjari and beginning his address in Bhojpuri, PM Modi said: “Today, I am privileged to visit Banaras once more, and the joy I experience in this sacred city is beyond words.”

He added: “The moon and Kashi are two abodes of ‘Shiv Shakti’ and today I congratulate you from one of these abodes of Shiv Shakti for our victory in landing on the other.”

This stadium will benefit the youth of Purvanchal

In a significant development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the transformative potential of the newly inaugurated International Cricket Stadium in Kashi. He emphasised the stadium’s pivotal role in fostering the growth of youth in Purvanchal, terming it a boon for the region.

In his address, the Prime Minister also pointed out the auspiciousness of the day, coinciding with a month since India’s Chandrayaan had landed on the Shiva Shakti Point on the moon. This location, Ganjari, strategically connects the revered Mata Vindhyavasini Dham and the city of Kashi.

PM Modi also paid homage to the great figure of Indian democracy and former Union Minister Rajnarayan, who hailed from the nearby village of Motikot. The stadium, which pays obeisance to Lord Mahadev, is expected to host many cricket matches, providing players with a training ground for international contests.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister highlighted the growing need for such sporting venues with the increasing number of cricket matches on the horizon, positioning this stadium as a shining star that will meet the escalating demand for modern sports infrastructure across Purvanchal.

Varanasi is all set to get a modern stadium! This stadium will cater to the sporting needs of youngsters and encourage upcoming talent.

Glad that eminent sports personalities also joined the programme to lay the foundation of the stadium. pic.twitter.com/H0ylRgE250

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 23, 2023

This stadium will become a grand symbol of future India

PM Modi asserted that the stadium would be a powerful emblem of India’s promising future. He emphasised the integral role of Kashi, expressing gratitude for its unwavering support in every development endeavour. The Prime Minister stated that without the blessings and cooperation of the city, achieving development goals would be impossible.

He also underlined the far-reaching impact of sports infrastructure, asserting that it not only elevates the sports sector, but also significantly stimulates the local economy. Anticipating a surge in events and visitors, Modi highlighted the subsequent benefits to various sectors, including hospitality, catering, transportation and sports coaching, envisioning a flourishing sports industry in Varanasi as a result of this monumental project.

Government is helping players at every step

PM Narendra Modi, who represents Kashi in the Parliament, also shared his thoughts on the the transformative changes occurring in the region. In addition to the new International Cricket Stadium, a significant investment of Rs 400 crore is allocated for the reconstruction of Sigra Stadium, aiming to develop comprehensive facilities for over 50 sports. This upcoming multi-level sports complex is designed with a focus on inclusivity, catering to the needs of disabled individuals.

#WATCH | Sachin Tendulkar with PM Modi and CM Yogi Adityanath at the event to mark the foundation stone laying of an international cricket stadium in Varanasi, UP pic.twitter.com/TjgIHNrelD

— ANI (@ANI) September 23, 2023

The PM highlighted other ongoing developments, including the synthetic track in Bada Lalpur, basketball courts, and traditional Akhara facilities. He emphasized a holistic approach, intertwining sports with fitness, employment opportunities, and the careers of the youth. Moreover, he noted a substantial threefold increase in the Central Sports Budget for the year, underscoring the government’s collaborative effort with athletes and its dedication to supporting them at every stage, from school to university-level competitions.