Vanarasi: PM Modi Lays Foundation Stone for Varanasi International Cricket Stadium

VARANASI: In a momentous occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently laid the foundation stone for an international cricket stadium in Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. The event, which took place on a Saturday, witnessed the presence of former Indian cricket legends such as Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri, as well as prominent cricket officials, including BCCI President Roger Binny, Vice-President Rajiv Shukla, and Secretary Jay Shah. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also graced the function with his presence.

During the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Modi conveyed his excitement, stating, "This stadium in the city of 'Mahadev' will be dedicated to 'Mahadev' himself. The sportspersons here will benefit immensely from the construction of this international stadium in Kashi. This stadium is destined to become the shining star of the Purvanchal region."

This ambitious project marks the third international cricket stadium in the state of Uttar Pradesh, with the other two being in Kanpur and Lucknow. The Uttar Pradesh government, in its commitment to promoting sports infrastructure, has invested a substantial amount of Rs 121 crore to acquire the land necessary for the stadium. Additionally, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has pledged Rs 330 crore towards the construction of the stadium.

The proposed location for the stadium is near the Ring Road in the Rajatalab area, strategically chosen to facilitate accessibility for sports enthusiasts and spectators. The unique feature of the stadium is its design, which draws inspiration from the iconic ghats of Varanasi. The spectators' gallery is set to resemble the cascading steps of these historic ghats, adding an aesthetic and cultural touch to the sporting arena.

The establishment of this international cricket stadium in Varanasi carries immense significance. It not only underscores the government's commitment to promoting sports and enhancing sports infrastructure in the region but also acknowledges the rich cultural heritage and historical importance of Varanasi, often referred to as the 'City of Mahadev' due to its association with Lord Shiva.

With the stadium's construction set to commence, cricket enthusiasts and athletes in Varanasi and the broader Purvanchal region can look forward to world-class facilities that will foster the development of cricket and other sports. The stadium is expected to be fully operational and ready to host matches and events by December 2025.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony for the Varanasi International Cricket Stadium marks a significant step in bolstering India's sports infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi's vision, coupled with the support of cricketing legends and officials, promises to elevate the stature of Varanasi as a sporting hub and create opportunities for aspiring athletes in the region. The stadium's unique design paying homage to Varanasi's cultural heritage is set to make it a landmark not only in sports but also in architecture and aesthetics.

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