Lucknow: Commending India for a “notable surge” in sporting actions over the previous few years, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday mentioned that UP was a part of the momentum.Inaugurating the Syed Modi India International Badminton Tournament 2023 at BBD Badminton Academy in Lucknow, Yogi highlighted how, with 16% of the nation’s inhabitants, gamers from UP accounted for 25% of the Asian Games medals.Talking in regards to the affect of initiatives like Khelo India Khelo Games, the Fit India motion and promotion of sports activities on the rural stage, the CM praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the efforts that had resulted in Indian gamers profitable a considerably extra variety of medals within the current Olympics in comparison with earlier years.Expressing satisfaction in the truth that Indian gamers received greater than 100 medals for the primary time on the Asian Games, the CM additionally recognised the efficiency of Indian athletes on the Para Asian Games the place India received greater than 100 medals. “Notably, players from UP played a significant role in these exceptional accomplishments. Both the central and state governments have a positive attitude towards sports activities and we will extend every possible help to players from UP. The positive environment for sports is serving as a new platform for players and the government is committed to providing all necessary assistance to ensure a bright future for them,” Yogi mentioned.Paying tribute to former Union minister Akhilesh Das for growing the badminton facility in Lucknow, spanning over 10 acre, the CM mentioned that the venue had emerged as a central level for not gamers but additionally for organisation of varied nationwide and worldwide badminton championships.“This badminton championship was started in 1991 in memory of the famous badminton player of UP, Syed Modi, who was an eight-time national champion and also the Gold winner at Commonwealth Games,” Yogi mentioned, whereas elaborating on the importance of the championship. The occasion, he added, gained worldwide recognition in 2004 and subsequently, the prize cash was raised to USD 150,000 by the Badminton World Federation. This competitors was additionally given the standing of a World Tour Super 300 by the Badminton World Federation and presently, the prize cash stands at USD 210,000 or about Rs 1.75 crore.“Almost all the top badminton players of the world are participating in this competition. Thousands of sports lovers are joining this event. I heartily welcome all sports lovers on the occasion of this grand event,” the CM mentioned.Uttar Pradesh Badminton Association chairman Viraj Sagar Das offered a Silver shuttle and silver Racket memento to the Chief Minister.Chairman, UP Badminton Association (UPBA), Viraj Sagar Das mentioned, “We are planning to take the tournament from Super 300 category to Super 500 next year to ensure that the prize money also increases (USD 420,000). If a player has to participate in the world championship or Olympics, he or she has to play two Super 500 championships in a year. There are only 5-6 Super 500 championships in a year, therefore, international players prefer such events.”Hailing the CM for specializing in promotion of sports activities, he mentioned that a whole lot of work had been executed within the subject of sports activities and gamers from the state had been profitable medals in numerous nationwide and worldwide occasions.UPBA president Navneet Sehgal mentioned, “Steps taken by the CM is giving great strength to talented sportspersons from the state.”