Today in Lucknow, the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) inked an MoU for the development of a planned International Cricket Stadium in Gorakhpur, adding a substantial boost to the Purvanchal region’s sporting infrastructure. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath Ji Maharaj was present for the agreement’s formalisation.
The stadium project is being constructed with strong financial assistance from key public sector oil marketing corporations, and the signing of the MoU marks a pivotal step in realising that backing. Chief Minister Adityanath announced that ₹100 crore has been pledged to the project by the oil industry, with ₹60 crore coming from Indian Oil’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funding. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is putting in ₹10 crore and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) is putting in ₹30 crore.
At the event, Chief Minister Adityanath stressed that the stadium serves as more than just a sports arena; it is a strategic platform to develop and showcase the talents of young people from eastern Uttar Pradesh with the hope that they will one day become famous all over the world. He said the region’s economy, investment, and sports tourism would all get a boost from the new stadium, which would be up to world standards.
In addition, the Chief Minister emphasised that this program is in perfect harmony with the goals of the Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, who aims to promote a strong national sports culture and support athletes. He made the observation that it will help bring attention to India’s rising athletic stature and further the goal of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developing India). In addition, he highlighted the state’s larger initiative to improve its sports infrastructure, which includes the fast development of Meerut’s Major Dhyan Chand Sports University and the forthcoming Varanasi international stadium, both of which are expected to be finished by June 2026.
