India, Oct. 16 -- Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday said the state was recruiting sportspersons directly under the 'Padak Lao, Pad Pao' initiative, citing the expansion of sports infrastructure and incentives for medal winners as part of the changes made since 2017.

In a message marking the sixth day of Sharadiya Navratri, Adityanath extended greetings to people and described Maa Katyayani as a symbol of women's courage, resolve and valour. He said the state's transformation was being driven by faith, development and heritage.

In a post on X, the chief minister criticised the previous government's tenure, alleging that before 2017, fear and lawlessness restricted opportunities for women and girls. He claimed that sp...