The Uttar Pradesh Sports Policy 2023 marks a significant step toward transforming Uttar Pradesh into a leading sporting state and nurturing world-class athletes. The policy aims to create a robust sports ecosystem that supports talent identification, athlete development, infrastructure creation, and international-level performance.The policy adopts a holistic approach by integrating athlete welfare, modern sports infrastructure, grassroots talent development, private-sector participation, and sports industry promotion. Basic idea behind this is to create a sports ecosystem where the state may produce national and international players.
Vision
To establish Uttar Pradesh as a national and global sporting powerhouse by providing athletes with world-class facilities, scientific training, financial security, and professional support from grassroots to elite levels.Highlights of the PolicyThe policy introduces a three-tier athlete development model:Grassroots Level
- Identification and nurturing of young talent.
- Basic coaching and training support.
- Promotion of sports participation in schools, colleges, and rural areas.
Developmental Level
- Specialized training for promising athletes.
- Exposure to state, national, and international competitions.
- Access to advanced coaching and sports science support.
Elite Level
High-performance training for medal prospects.- International exposure and specialized coaching.
- Comprehensive support to compete at national and global events.
Financial Assistance and Athlete Welfare
Recognizing the financial challenges faced by sportspersons, the policy provides substantial support mechanisms.Direct Financial Support
- Annual assistance of up to Rs 75,000 for junior athletes.
- Annual assistance of up to Rs 50,000 for sub-junior athletes.
- Support for training, equipment, nutrition, and competition participation.
Eklavya Sports FundA dedicated Eklavya Sports Fund has been established to assist athletes who suffer injuries during competitions or training.The fund ensures:
- Timely medical treatment.
- Financial support during recovery.
- Continuation of sporting careers without economic hardship.
Health Insurance Coverage
- Registered sportspersons are entitled to cashless health insurance coverage of up to ₹ Rs 5 lakh.
- Coverage helps athletes access quality medical care and rehabilitation facilities.
Creation of World-Class Sports Infrastructure
State Sports Authority
A dedicated State Sports Authority is being established on the lines of the Sports Authority of India (SAI).Its responsibilities include:
- Sports planning and management.
- Athlete development programs.
- Monitoring sports infrastructure.
- Coordination with sports federations and academies.
Centres of Excellence
- Development of 14 Centres of Excellence across various sports disciplines.
- Provision of specialized coaching, sports science support, and modern training facilities.
- Many centres will be developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
High-Performance Centres
- Establishment of five High-Performance Centres.
- Focus on elite athlete preparation and international-level training standards.
- Integration of advanced technologies, sports medicine, nutrition, and performance analytics.
Rural Sports Development
A unique feature of the policy is its strong focus on rural sporting talent.Key initiatives include:
- Construction of stadiums in rural areas.
- Development of open gyms and sports grounds.
- Creation of training facilities closer to villages.
- Identification of hidden talent from rural and semi-urban regions.
This approach seeks to ensure that geographical location does not become a barrier to sporting success.
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model
To accelerate sports development, the policy encourages participation from:
- Private investors.
- Sports academies.
- Educational institutions.
- Corporate entities.
The PPP model aims to:
- Improve infrastructure quality.
- Bring professional expertise into sports management.
- Generate sustainable investment in sports.
Promotion of Inclusive Sports
The policy places special emphasis on ensuring equal opportunities for all sections of society.Women’s SportsPara SportsIndigenous and Traditional SportsSports Nurseries and Talent IdentificationSchools, colleges, universities, and private academies are encouraged to establish sports nurseries.These nurseries will:
- Identify talent at an early age.
- Provide structured training pathways.
- Create a steady pipeline of future champions.
Sports Industry and Sports Tourism
The policy recognizes sports as an emerging economic sector.It promotes:
- Sports-based entrepreneurship.
- Manufacturing of sports goods.
- Organization of sporting events.
- Development of sports tourism destinations.
These initiatives are expected to generate employment, attract investment, and contribute to the state’s economy.
Expected Results
The Uttar Pradesh Sports Policy 2023 is expected to:
- Strengthen grassroots sports development.
- Increase athlete participation and performance.
- Improve medal prospects at national and international competitions.
- Create world-class sports infrastructure.
- Promote women and para-athletes.
- Generate employment in the sports sector.
- Position Uttar Pradesh as a major sports hub in India.
