UP CM Yogi Adityanath Credits PM Modi For Sports Culture In India

The article outlines Uttar Pradesh's policy shifts since 2014, emphasising support for women basketball, the 3x3 format, better exposure, and prize-backed competitions to boost national and Olympic prospects.

Uttar Pradesh further strengthened its support for sports when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended the Eastern Zone Inter-University Basketball (Women's) Competition inauguration. The event underscored growing opportunities for women players, while CM Yogi highlighted how national and state policies are reshaping sports, giving young athletes in India and Uttar Pradesh new confidence and purpose.

During the ceremony, CM Yogi Adityanath linked the progress in basketball and other games to policy shifts since 2014. CM Yogi said that before 2014, sports competitions were not part of the government's agenda, and a lack of infrastructure led players to either migrate or become frustrated. However, the situation changed after 2014.

Uttar Pradesh basketball growth aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s sports culture vision

The Chief Minister credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for putting athletes at the centre of national planning. "Before 2014, sports and sports competitions were not part of the government's agenda... They were often neglected. Due to the lack of international-level infrastructure, our talented players either migrated or became frustrated, but now, after 2014, the new sports culture that Prime Minister Modi has developed in the country is truly remarkable today," CM Yogi said.

Uttar Pradesh basketball potential boosted by 3x3 format and Olympic prospects

Padma Shri and former India captain Prashanti Singh, who has strong links with Uttar Pradesh, recently explained how the fast-paced 3x3 format can lift Indian basketball. Speaking about India’s chances, Prashanti described 3x3 as a realistic route for the country to challenge established teams at elite international tournaments.

"I think with 3 on 3 coming up, this is a good chance for us. We can perform well in individual sports at the Olympics because there is individual accountability. We need to form a team of four players for 3-on-3. You can make a good team. If you have a pool of 25 to 30 players at the domestic level, you will get a world beater. I think with this format, we can really do well," the Arjuna awardee told ANI.

Uttar Pradesh basketball players encouraged by focus on youth, exposure and 3x3 format

Prashanti described how the shorter format matches changing viewing habits, while offering Indian and Uttar Pradesh players regular competition. "This is the future of basketball worldwide because there is a culture of short, crisp and explosive sports. This is the future. The future should be adapted as soon as possible. So, this championship is all about that," she said.

Emphasising mass participation, Prashanti underlined the value of involving every age group in structured events. "We should adapt it as soon as possible. We should make it more popular. Then our players will receive greater exposure at this level. Everyone from under-14 to senior level is included in this. This is a strong competition. This is a well-made model set. Juniors are watching the seniors. Seniors are getting a good exposure," she added.

Uttar Pradesh basketball events backed by strong prize money and organised structure

Roopam Harish Sharma, Chairperson of the Organising Committee of the Harish Sharma 3 on 3 All India Basketball Championship, highlighted the competitive standards with clear rewards. "This time we have kept Rs 1 lakh for first prize, Rs 50,000 for second prize and Rs 30,000 for third prize winners," she said. Such incentives support serious competition and encourage talented players from states like Uttar Pradesh.

The Eastern Zone Inter-University Basketball (Women's) Competition, combined with the growing 3x3 circuit and strong financial backing, reflects how India and Uttar Pradesh now treat sports as a priority sector. With leadership support, new formats, and wider grassroots participation, women basketball players are receiving better chances to progress from university courts to national and global stages.

PRAGATI Platform Is a Game Changer For Uttar Pradesh: Yogi Adityanath

Uttar Pradesh is now presenting itself as a high-performance state, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath crediting technology-driven governance for this shift. Adityanath said digital monitoring platforms, especially PRAGATI, are helping projects finish within set deadlines, boosting infrastructure, jobs and public confidence in government systems across the state and the country.

He highlighted that the state administration is no longer a passive facilitator. Instead, it acts as an active driver that pushes planning, clearances and execution together. According to Adityanath, this results in faster delivery of roads, transport links and public services that directly affect citizens in districts across Uttar Pradesh.

With inputs from ANI