Varanasi to house new Rs 450cr international cricket stadium

The holy city of Varanasi witnessed the foundation laying of a new International Cricket Stadium, thanks to Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi**. Situated in Ganjari, Rajatalab, this modern cricket infrastructure is valued at about Rs 450 crores and stretches over 30 acres.

Modi Expresses Delight Over Varanasi’s New Venture

During the event, PM Modi voiced his pleasure of being in Varanasi, drawing parallels between the city’s spiritual essence and India’s recent Chandrayaan moon landing. He noted the stadium’s strategic location, linking it to significant religious and regional landmarks such as Mata Vindhyavasini and village Motikot.

Varanasi Cricket Stadium: A Symbol of Pride and Potential for Kashi’s Citizens

The stadium’s unique design, dedicated to Lord Mahadev, evokes pride among the denizens of Kashi. PM Modi conveyed that the venue will not only host international cricket matches but also offer budding athletes a chance to train at world-class facilities. This will undoubtedly serve the residents of Kashi and promote India’s sporting landscape on the global map.

A Catalyst for Regional Economic and Sporting Growth

Elaborating on the broader impact, Modi highlighted that such a mammoth sports facility boosts not just sports but also regional economic activities. This includes a domino effect benefiting local hotels, transportation, eateries, and even the sports education sector. Citing the evolving national sentiment towards sports, he emphasized India’s sports budget’s recent threefold increase and the enhanced allocation for initiatives like Khelo India.

Emphasis on Holistic Development and Future Vision

The PM also shed light on the concerted efforts to bolster sports in Kashi. Alongside the new cricket stadium, substantial investments are directed towards other sports infrastructures, like the Sigra stadium. Modi accentuated that this is just the beginning. The emerging sports industry in Varanasi, coupled with the focused National Education Policy on sports, promises a bright future for the city and the nation.

Sporting Luminaries and Dignitaries Grace the Occasion

The ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Yogi Adityanath, and esteemed representatives from the BCCI. Cricketing legends such as Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Kapil Dev also marked their presence, enhancing the event’s grandeur.