Journalism of Courage
With the chant of 'Har Har Mahadev', Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday laid the foundation stone of the international cricket stadium in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi. In this picture, PM Modi along with UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BCCI President Roger Binny, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah, former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri and other dignitaries are seen on the dais. (ANI Photo)
“This stadium in the city of ‘Mahadev’ will be dedicated to ‘Mahadev’ himself,” Modi said, adding that the stadium will become the star of Purvanchal region. (ANI Photo)
As per reports, the stadium will have floodlights resembling ‘Trishul’ (trident), feature the shape of a ‘damaru’ (a musical instrument associated with Lord Shiva) and spectators’ galleries resembling the Ganga Ghat stairs. (PTI Photo)
Prime Minister Modi shakes hands with former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar as UP CM Yogi Adityanath, BCCI Secretary Jay Shah and former Indian cricket coach Ravi Shastri look on. (ANI Photo)
Prior to his speech, PM Modi was presented with a signed bat by BCCI President Roger Binny (right) and BCCI secretary Jay Shah. (ANI Photo)
This will be Uttar Pradesh's third international cricket stadium after Kanpur and Lucknow. It is to be built at a cost of about Rs 450 crore and spread across an area of more than 30 acres. (PTI Photo)
Modi underlined that the development of sports infrastructure of such scale not only has a positive effect on sports but also on the regional economy. (PTI Photo)
Modi also noted the significance of the venue which is at the intersection of the route to Mata Vindhyavasini and its proximity to Motikot village, the place from which socialist leader Raj Narain hailed. (PTI Photo)
The Uttar Pradesh government said it has spent Rs 121 crore to acquire the land for the stadium, while the BCCI will spend Rs 330 crore on its construction. (PTI Photo)
