Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday (May 16, 2026) laid the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium in Gorakhpur, announcing that a new sports complex will come up on 60 acres of land adjacent to the facility.

“While an international cricket stadium with a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators will be built on 46 acres, a world-class sports complex will also be constructed on the adjoining 60 acres. All indoor game facilities will be made available there, and outdoor games such as hockey will also be possible. The construction of the stadium and the complex will give rise to a new chain of hotels, restaurants and markets in the area, and generate a large number of employment opportunities,” the Chief Minister said at the bhoomi pujan for the stadium, which is to be built at a cost of around ₹393 crore in Tal Nador, Gorakhpur.

Speaking about the Tal Nador area, Mr. Adityanath said it was barren and neglected until a few years ago, and that encroachments had since been cleared.

“The double-engine government is providing an excellent platform on this land to shape the future of youth. The stadium will fulfil the dreams of youth and future generations. Government land will be used for public welfare and development projects. With the same vision, a veterinary college is also being established in Tal Nador,” he said.

Mr. Adityanath said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government had made the state free of mafias, hooliganism, riots and curfews, and that development and employment generation followed naturally from such stability.

“People who divide society on the basis of caste, language and region cannot be well-wishers of the public. When such people held power, they spread hooliganism, anarchy and disorder. Instead of public welfare, they misused power for their families. The double-engine government is working for public welfare and employment generation,” he said.

On sports employment, the Chief Minister said around 550 medal-winning players had so far been given government jobs through direct recruitment in Uttar Pradesh, and that appointments for another 500 players had been announced.

“Appointment letters will soon be provided through direct recruitment to players winning medals in the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and other competitions,” he said, adding that the government was fulfilling its responsibility of providing infrastructure to players. Sports grounds are being developed in every village, mini stadiums at block level and stadiums at the district level, he added.