Hockey India’s gift to world, UP realising KD Singh’s dreams: CM

Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday paid rich tribute to hockey legend KD Singh ‘Babu’ and said that the UP government is making efforts to realise his dreams by encouraging sports talent in the state.
Addressing the gathering during the prize distribution ceremony of the 32nd All India KD Singh Babu Memorial U-14 Prize Money Hockey Tournament, the CM said: “Hockey is our national game and is India’s gift to the world.Once India used to dominate in the Olympics. When legends like Major Dhyan Chand and KD Singh 'Babu' played international matches, they left the entire world spellbound.”
“They were instrumental in winning gold medals for India in 1948 and 1952 Olympics,” the CM said, adding that every Indian should be proud of our great players.
Recalling the contribution of hockey players from Uttar Pradesh and naming a few international sportspersons and Olympians, he said KD Singh ‘Babu’ laid the foundation of sports infrastructure in UP as the first director of the state’s sports department. Highlighting the efforts to promote sports in the state, the CM said the government was bolstering sports infrastructure to fulfil KD Singh’s dream. He also spoke about cash awards and support to young and formers players. Lauding the U-14 players, he said, “A sportsperson plays for his country. KD Singh ‘Babu’ is no longer there with us but I am sure he must be watching these young players from somewhere and feeling proud about them.”