Padak Lao, Pad Pao: direct recruitment of medal-winning sportspersons in UP
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On 16 October 2026 Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted Uttar Pradesh’s ‘Padak Lao, Pad Pao’ policy: win a medal at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games or Asian Games and the State gives you cash awards and a direct government job. He tied it to a sports ladder from village grounds to the Major Dhyan Chand Sports University in Meerut, and named UP’s women stars.
- Date
- 16 Oct 2026
- Reward
- Cash + direct job
- Events
- Olympics, CWG, Asian Games
- Top rung
- Sports University, Meerut
Padak Lao, Pad Pao: what happened?
Every athlete’s family asks the same question: what happens after the medal? UP’s answer is in the name itself: bring a medal, get a post.
- CM said UP offers direct government recruitment to medal-winning sportspersons (Hindustan Times, India Today, 16 Oct 2026).
- Cash awards for medals at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.
- Named women athletes: Parul Chaudhary, Priyanka Goswami, Annu Rani, Deepti Sharma, Vandana Kataria and Divya Kakran.
- The remarks came in a Navratri message on women’s courage and safety.
What is UP's sports infrastructure ladder?
From village to university
- Village playgrounds
- Block-level mini-stadiums
- District stadiums
- Divisional sports colleges
- Major Dhyan Chand Sports University, Meerut
The PM laid the foundation stone of the Meerut sports university on 2 January 2022.
How is this different from a one-time cash prize?
| Point | Cash award only | Padak Lao, Pad Pao |
|---|---|---|
| Benefit | One payment | Payment plus permanent job |
| Career after sport | Uncertain | Secure government post |
| Message to parents | Sport is a gamble | Sport can be a career |
Which constitutional provisions apply?
- State List Entry 33: sports, entertainments and amusements, so States lead sports policy.
- Article 16(1): equality of opportunity in public employment; direct recruitment needs clear rules to stay fair.
- Article 15(3): special provisions for women, which supports women-focused sports schemes.
Which UP athletes were named?
| Athlete | Sport |
|---|---|
| Parul Chaudhary | Athletics (steeplechase) |
| Priyanka Goswami | Race walking |
| Annu Rani | Javelin |
| Deepti Sharma | Cricket |
| Vandana Kataria | Hockey |
| Divya Kakran | Wrestling |
Why does this matter for UPPCS?
| Angle | What to note |
|---|---|
| GS-VI (UP special) | A named State scheme for youth and sport. |
| Women empowerment | Women athletes as role models; safety plus opportunity. |
| Governance | Linking reward with a career pathway. |
| Infrastructure | A planned ladder up to a sports university. |
What are the challenges?
- Direct jobs help medal winners but do little for the many who train and fall short.
- Athletes in government posts may get little time to keep training.
- Rural grounds and mini-stadiums need coaches and upkeep, not only buildings.
- Women athletes still face safety, travel and family pressure barriers.
What should be done next?
- Publish clear rules on which post is given for which medal.
- Give job-holding athletes paid training leave.
- Put certified coaches in block and district stadiums.
- Support athletes at national-level events too, not only international ones.
What can UPPCS Prelims ask?
- Padak Lao, Pad Pao: cash award plus direct recruitment for medal winners.
- Events: Olympics, Commonwealth Games, Asian Games.
- Major Dhyan Chand Sports University: Meerut.
- Sports: State List Entry 33.
- Match the athlete with the sport (Annu Rani: javelin; Divya Kakran: wrestling).
How to write about UP sports policy in Mains (UPPCS)
Practice question (8 marks, 125 words): Evaluate the steps taken by Uttar Pradesh to promote sports among youth, especially women.
- Intro: UP’s large youth population; sport as career.
- Body: Padak Lao, Pad Pao; infrastructure ladder; Meerut university.
- Women: named athletes as role models.
- Challenges: coaches, upkeep, non-medal athletes.
- Conclusion: from medals to a full sports ecosystem.
Image: AKASH SINGH. 654, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Read all of October 2026 in the monthly UP current affairs compilation →
How to use this in Mains
If asked: What steps has the UP government taken to promote sports? (UPPCS GS-VI)
Quote: “Under Padak Lao, Pad Pao, medal winners at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and Asian Games get cash awards and direct government recruitment.”
Use it: Your opening example. Then add the village-to-Meerut infrastructure ladder as your second point.
If asked: Discuss the role of sport in women's empowerment in Uttar Pradesh. (UPPCS GS-I/VI)
Quote: “Parul Chaudhary, Priyanka Goswami, Annu Rani, Deepti Sharma, Vandana Kataria and Divya Kakran have brought recognition to the State.”
Use it: Name two or three of them in the body to make your answer concrete and UP-specific.
Exam angle
GS-VI: UP sports policy, schemes for sportspersons and women's empowerment.
Practice MCQs
Original practice questions (not PYQs).
'Padak Lao, Pad Pao' of Uttar Pradesh relates to
Answer (a) & explanation
Medal winners get cash awards and direct government jobs (16 Oct 2026).
Major Dhyan Chand Sports University is located in
Answer (b) & explanation
Its foundation stone was laid in Meerut on 2 January 2022.
Match the athlete with the sport: Annu Rani
Answer (c) & explanation
Annu Rani is a javelin thrower from Meerut district.
Questions students ask about this
What is Padak Lao, Pad Pao?
A UP policy giving cash awards and direct government jobs to medal winners at the Olympics, CWG and Asian Games.
When was it highlighted?
By CM Yogi Adityanath on 16 October 2026, in a Navratri message.
Where is UP's sports university?
Meerut: Major Dhyan Chand Sports University.
Why is it in UPPCS?
It is a named State scheme linking sport, youth and women's empowerment (GS-VI).
Keep studying
facts from cited sources only; cross-checked; faculty review pending