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Narendra Modi (Source- Twitter)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Uttar Pradesh's Varanasi on Saturday to lay the foundation stone of the new International Cricket Stadium. The stadium, which is estimated to cost about ₹450 crore, will be developed in an area of more than 30 acres in Ganjari, Rajatalab. The historic event was attended by cricketing legends Ravi Shastri, Sachin Tendulkar, Sunil Gavaskar, and Dilip Vengsarkar among others.
The state government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has made ₹121 crore for land acquisition. The Indian Cricket Board will invest ₹330 crore in the stadium's construction. It is Uttar Pradesh's third international cricket facility, following those in Kanpur and Lucknow.
The Varanasi stadium will have a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators and will feature seven pitches, practice nets, lounges, a commentator’s box, a media center and a large hostel. It will reflect the rich heritage of Varanasi and elements related to Lord Shiva, with a crescent-shaped dome, trident-shaped floodlights, and a spectators' gallery that resembles the steps of the ghats of Varanasi.
This stadium in the city of 'Mahadev' will be dedicated to 'Mahadev' himself: Narendra Modi
The Prime Minister said that the stadium will be dedicated to Mahadev and it will become the star of the Purvanchal region. "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."
He further added: "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. Asian Games will begin from today. I send my good wishes to all the athletes participating in the Games."
The stadium will likely be ready by December 2025. UP CM Yogi Adityanath also revealed that PM will inaugurate 16 newly constructed Atal Residential Schools. It will be developed at an approximate cost of ₹1,115 crore. Meanwhile, legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar presented PM Modi Team India's 2023 ODI World Cup jersey during the inauguration.