Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav on Sunday announced an ambitious plan to build stadiums across all 230 Assembly constituencies in the state, underlining the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and nurturing sporting talent at the grassroots level.

CM Dr Yadav made the announcement while addressing the closing and prize-distribution ceremony of the Raja Bhoj Multi-Class Sailing Championship-2026 at Bhopal’s Boat Club on August 16. Sports Minister Vishwas Sarang also addressed the gathering.

“We are going to build stadiums in all 230 Assembly constituencies,” CM Dr Yadav said, adding that the state had resolved to promote and develop all sporting disciplines.

Sports to become part of mainstream education

The chief minister said India’s sporting stature was rising globally under Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi’s leadership and Madhya Pradesh was determined to contribute to the country’s sporting ambitions.

He said 11 sports academies out of 18 planned disciplines were already operational in the state, while the government would continue increasing its support for sports.

CM Dr Yadav said sports had not received the attention they deserved in the years following Independence. Recalling hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, he said his extraordinary performances had once left the British amazed.

He also noted Madhya Pradesh’s growing contribution to major international sporting events, including the Olympics, Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. According to Yadav, the state, which ranked around 14th or 15th three years ago, had now climbed to third place.

Coaches also deserve opportunities

CM Dr Yadav said the government’s sports policy was no longer focused solely on athletes. Under the National Education Policy 2020, sports had been incorporated into education rather than being treated as an activity limited to professional players.

He said sports coaches were also being provided opportunities for career progression, adding that coaches should be able to rise from the position of assistant professor to vice-chancellor.

“We need to be concerned about coaches along with players,” he said, while stressing that the state’s sports budget was being increased continuously. CM Dr Yadav also said India was seeking an opportunity to host the Olympic Games, describing the country’s sporting ambitions as part of the vision of a future India.

‘Keep moving on the path of struggle’

Reflecting on the occasion, CM Dr Yadav praised the picturesque setting of Bhopal’s Boat Club, saying the waters of the historic Raja Bhoj Lake resembled the sea and provided a striking backdrop for the sailing championship.

Congratulating the winners, he also remembered former Prime Minister (PM) Atal Bihari Vajpayee on his death anniversary. Recalling Vajpayee’s life and contribution to democracy, Yadav described him as an exceptional statesman and noted his connection with Gwalior.

He also paid tribute to freedom fighter Rani Avantibai Lodhi on her birth anniversary, recalling her struggle against British rule.

India’s sporting tradition dates back thousands of years

CM Dr Yadav said India had a sporting tradition dating back thousands of years and that sporting prowess had historically been an important part of an individual’s identity.

He cited the story of Lord Ram lifting the bow during Sita’s swayamvar and Lord Krishna’s wrestling contest in Mathura as examples of India’s ancient sporting heritage.

CM Dr Yadav said these stories reflected the importance traditionally attached to physical strength, courage and sporting excellence in Indian civilisation.