Is the Yogi Government Transforming Schools into Sports Hubs in Uttar Pradesh?

Lucknow, May 2 (NationPress) The Uttar Pradesh administration, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is embarking on a groundbreaking initiative to convert over 1.34 lakh council schools throughout the state into hotbeds for international sports talent. This visionary project aims to identify and develop young athletes from rural and underprivileged regions, providing these schools with professional-level sports training inspired by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

This initiative signifies a pivotal transition from viewing sports as an ancillary pursuit to recognizing it as a fundamental aspect of student growth. The training framework will adhere to the guidelines set by the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) and will include organized 10-day training camps, enhanced facilities, and expert mentorship from qualified physical education instructors.

For the 2025–26 academic year, the government plans to invest Rs 134 crore to develop the school sports infrastructure:

• Rs 43.38 crore for 86,764 primary schools
• Rs 45.24 crore for 45,245 junior high schools and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs)
• Rs 5.76 crore for 2,304 secondary and senior secondary schools
• Rs 19.41 crore for the ‘One KGBV, One Sport’ initiative
• Rs 14.92 crore for the installation of open gyms and sports equipment in KGBVs
• Rs 5.33 crore for hosting national-level training camps

Each institution will receive direct funding for gear—Rs 5,000 for primary schools, Rs 10,000 for junior high schools and KGBVs, and Rs 25,000 for secondary schools.

Students chosen in the Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 age groups will engage in 10-day intensive training camps prior to national competitions. These camps will concentrate on strategy, team dynamics, physical conditioning, and mental training—elements that have previously been lacking due to insufficient structured preparation.

The camps will be held close to event locations to enhance adaptation and performance. This organized strategy replaces the outdated practice of merely distributing kits and sending participants to competitions with minimal preparation.

To guarantee quality training, physical education instructors have been assigned to upper primary schools with over 100 students under the Right to Education Act. These instructors will supervise the technical training of selected athletes at the block and district levels.

Currently operational in 145 of the state's 746 KGBVs across 73 districts, the ‘One KGBV, One Sport’ program allows each school to specialize in one of 19 specific sports. The initiative aims to provide targeted training for girls and help them compete in sports that align with their skills and interests.

Wardens are actively scouting talented students, and the procurement of equipment is in progress. Additionally, elite athletes are being invited to schools to motivate students, and training is provided to coaches in contemporary techniques.

The program also emphasizes overall fitness. Open gym facilities are being established in all 746 KGBVs to help girls enhance their physical strength, endurance, and stamina—traits essential for sports excellence and general health.

“This initiative is not solely about preparing children for athletics; it’s about shaping their holistic development. Sports instill discipline, confidence, teamwork, and resilience—qualities that last a lifetime,” remarks Sandeep Singh, the Basic Education Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

“We are aligning school sports infrastructure and training with national standards to ensure our students excel not only in academics but also on national and international sports stages,” adds Deepak Kumar, President of SGFI and Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education.