Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday laid the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The mega-event is being attended by cricketing legends Ravi Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Vengsarkar among others.
Speaking at the event, PM said that this international stadium will become the star of the Purvanchal region. He also said that the sportspersons here will benefit from the construction of an international stadium in Kashi. "This stadium in the city of 'Mahadev' will be dedicated to 'Mahadev' himself. The sportspersons here will benefit from the construction of an international stadium in Kashi. This stadium will become the star of Purvanchal region," PM Modi said.
PM Modi also said that the government is helping sportspersons at every level and the success India is witnessing in sports is evidence of the change in outlook towards sports. "The success India is witnessing in sports is evidence of the change in outlook towards sports. The government is helping sportspersons at every level; TOPS is one such scheme of the government," PM Modi said.
During his speech, PM Modi also wished the athletes participating in the Asian Games. "Asian Games will begin from today. I send my good wishes to all the athletes participating in the Games," PM Modi said. Talking about his visit to Varanasi, PM Modi said, 'Today, I got another chance to visit Varanasi. The joy which we get on visiting Kashi is unparalleled".
One Shiv Shakti Point Is On Moon, One Is In Kashi, Says PM Modi
Congratulating people for the success of Chandrayaan-3 mission, PM Modi said one Shiv Shakti point is on Moon, one is in Kashi. "One Shiv Shakti point is on Moon, one is in Kashi, and today, I once again congratulate the countrymen for India's victory (on Chandrayaan-3's success)," PM Modi said.
Cricket Stadium Will Be Developed In More Than 30-Acre Area, Says PM Modi
According to a release from the Prime Minister's Office, the stadium will be developed in a more than 30-acre area, at a cost of about Rs 450 crores. Its design has been inspired by Lord Shiva, with crescent-shaped roof covers, trident-shaped flood-lights, ghat steps-based seating, Bilvipatra-shaped metallic sheets on the facade, the release stated. The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000 spectators.
"International cricket stadium in Varanasi will be a step towards realising Prime Minister’s vision to develop modern world class sports infrastructure. The modern international cricket stadium, will be built in Ganjari, Rajatalab, Varanasi..." the release added.
Sachin Tendulkar, Ravi Shastri Visit Famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple In Varanasi
Earlier in the day, Sachin Tendulkar and Ravi Shastri visited the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. PM Narendra Modi had also shared a post on X, formerly Twitter, ahead of the visit and said that these projects will "accelerate" the development in Varanasi and the entire Uttar Pradesh.
"I am very eager to participate in these programs going to be held today in Baba Vishwanath's city Kashi. These projects will further accelerate the development journey of Varanasi as well as entire Uttar Pradesh. Today at around 1:30 pm, along with laying the foundation stone of a grand international cricket stadium in Varanasi, we will have the privilege of inaugurating 16 Atal Residential Schools. Apart from this, I will also be a part of the closing ceremony of Kashi Sansad Cultural Mahotsav," the PM said.