UP Cabinet Approves New Sports Policy 2023

The Uttar Pradesh cabinet approved the new UP Sports Policy 2023 in a cabinet meeting chaired by the Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday. 

As per the provisions of the new sports policy, various provisions have been made to support the development of new institutions, and connect schools, colleges and private academies with sports, along with support and assistance to sportspersons. 

The new policy has the provision for financial support for various sports associations and sports academies. This will majorly benefit smaller academies with limited resources, who can now expand their infrastructure and training facilities with the government's financial support. 

In addition to this, the Uttar Pradesh government will also cooperate in the development of sports infrastructure facilities through PPP (Public Private Partnership) model. The state will establish 14 centres of excellence, each centred around a different game. These are targeted to be set up in PPP mode. The new sports policy also includes information on coaches and mapping of various sporting facilities.

In the new sports policy 2023, a provision has been made to establish a state sports authority on the lines of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Additionally, the state will establish a State Sports Development Fund. Through this fund, assistance will be given to financially poor players, associations, or academies. Along with this, five high-performance centres will be built in the state, where high-performance athletes will be provided with training facilities for physical fitness.

The Uttar Pradesh government has also included health insurance for the players in the new policy. Each registered player will receive the benefit of health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh from the UP government of Uttar Pradesh. Along with this, the state government will also provide funds from the Eklavya Sports Fund for the treatment of injuries suffered by the players during sports or competitions. 

The players will receive training based on their skill power for better training. The players have been divided into three categories by the government for this. The first category will include grass root (ground level) players, under which, those players who need coaching at the initial level will be given training. 

The second category, however, will focus on the development of players, where talented players will be identified and given the necessary training as part of an action plan to help them become future players. 

The third category is of elite players—established players who represent the state in various sports. Such players will be motivated to perform better at the national and international levels.

Other important highlights of the policy : 

• A sports centre will be established in each district.

• Special attention will be given to women and para sports.

• Priority will be given to the development of sports facilities in rural areas.

• Local and indigenous sports will be promoted.

• Sports industry will be encouraged in the state.

• Keeping in view the possibilities of sports tourism, efforts will be made in this area as well. 

• Provision has also been made to promote e-sports in the state.

• Better facilities like fitness experts, and diet experts will be provided in the hostels.

• A committee of international players will be constituted for admission in hostels.

• Schools will be encouraged to start sports nurseries or academies for the development of various sports.