Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday attended the Bhoomi Poojan and foundation stone ceremony for the Gorakhpur International Cricket Stadium, outlining the scale of the new venue and the support behind the project. He said the stadium is being developed with backing from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, while another international cricket ground is also taking shape in Varanasi with support from the Board of Control for Cricket in India.
Key announcements from Gorakhpur ceremony
- Yogi Adityanath said the Gorakhpur stadium project is supported by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
- He noted that an additional international cricket stadium is under construction in Varanasi with help from the BCCI.
- The chief minister stated the Gorakhpur venue will be built to a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.
- He added that the stadium will come up across 46 acres of land.
- Yogi said parking facilities will be available for match-day crowds.
- He further revealed that 60 acres of land has been earmarked for a nearby sports complex dedicated to indoor games.
- Describing the initiative as a step to enhance sports infrastructure and back young athletes, the chief minister said the state government is providing land free from encroachments for the development work.
Speaking at the event, Yogi Adityanath said, “With the help of BCCI, an international cricket stadium is being built in Varanasi. Today, the foundation stone of an international cricket stadium has been laid here by the UP government with support from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. The stadium will have a capacity of 30,000, spread across 46 acres, and parking will be available. Sixty acres of land have been reserved for a sports complex next door for indoor games. The double-engine government is providing encroachment-free land where the futures of the youth will be shaped.”
Funding and national sports programmes
Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Indian Oil Corporation has contributed ₹60 crore toward the project under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. He also highlighted the Centre’s emphasis on sports and fitness through initiatives including the Fit India Movement and Khelo India, which were launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Puri remarked that Indian Oil Corporation, which functions under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, has provided ₹60 crore to the initiative. He added that with Fit India Movement and Khelo India, the prime minister has helped turn fitness and sports into a nationwide mass movement, and he described the Gorakhpur stadium as a potential inspiration for local youth.
He also stated that the Gorakhpur stadium will be built on 45 acres of land and will again be planned for a 30,000 capacity—calling it an “important initiative” for the region.
