Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first international cricket stadium in Varanasi on Sunday, September 24, 2023. The stadium, which has been built at a cost of Rs. 450 crore has a seating capacity of 60,000 spectators and is equipped with all the latest facilities, including a floodlit pitch and a media center.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi said that the stadium is a gift to the people of Varanasi and a symbol of the city’s rich sporting heritage. He also expressed hope that the stadium will become a major center for cricket in the country and will help to promote the sport among the youth.
Prime Minister Modi informed that under the new National Education Policy sports is treated as a proper subject rather than an extracurricular activity. The Prime Minister said that the recent sporting success of India is due to a changed approach as now sports have been linked with the fitness, employment and career of the youth.
The Prime Minister highlighted the changing attitude towards sports among parents. “Now the mood of the nation is – Jo Khelega wo hi Khilega (one who will play will blossom)”, the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister recounted his recent visit to Shahdol and his interaction with youth in a tribal village. He referred to their deep love for football and the pride they have for their ‘Mini Brazil’ team.
The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, BCCI President Roger Binny, Vice President Rajiv Shukla, Secretary Jay Shah and a galaxy of cricket legends, including Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev.
The new stadium is expected to be a major boost for cricket in the eastern Uttar Pradesh region. It will also provide a much-needed platform for local cricketers to showcase their skills and talent. The stadium is also likely to attract a large number of tourists to the city, which is one of the most popular pilgrimage sites in India.
The inauguration of the new stadium is a significant development for the sport of cricket in India. It is also a testament to the government’s commitment to developing sports infrastructure in the country.
The construction of the stadium is likely to be completed by December 2025. The stadium will have floodlights resembling a trishul (trident) and the structure will resemble a damaru (small two-headed drum).
