Varanasi witnessed a momentous occasion as Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in his parliamentary constituency on Saturday. The ceremony, graced by the presence of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri, marked a significant step in promoting sports and infrastructure development in the region.
Notable dignitaries joined the event, including BCCI President Roger Binny, its vice-president Rajiv Shukla, and secretary Jay Shah. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present to commemorate this historic moment.
The Uttar Pradesh government has invested ?121 crore in acquiring the land for the stadium, while the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is set to allocate ?330 crore for its construction. Situated near the Ring Road in Rajatalab, the stadium is expected to be ready by December 2025, boasting a spectators’ gallery designed to resemble the iconic ghats of Varanasi.
During the foundation ceremony, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of sports as an integral part of education, stating, “Under the NEP 2020, sports has been put in the same category as science, commerce, and other subjects. Earlier, sports was considered an extra activity, but now, it will be taught in schools as a pedagogy.”
He expressed his delight in the fact that sports infrastructure was no longer confined to metro cities but was now extending to remote areas like Varanasi, providing opportunities and advanced facilities to the youth of the region. He remarked, “Today, the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Varanasi was laid. This is going to be a blessing for the youth of Purvanchal.”
The Varanasi international cricket stadium will be Uttar Pradesh’s third, following the ones in Kanpur and Lucknow. The initiative promises to boost the region’s sporting culture and serves as a testament to the growing investment in sports infrastructure across the country.
In addition to the cricket stadium, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated 16 residential schools for needy children in Uttar Pradesh, aimed at providing quality education to the children of laborers, construction workers, and those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas, constructed at a cost of approximately ?1,115 crore, will offer accommodation for 1,000 students each, fostering holistic development and enhanced access to quality education. These schools feature modern amenities such as classrooms, playgrounds, recreational areas, mini auditoriums, hostels, and staff residential quarters, furthering the commitment to educational excellence.
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