Gorakhpur: The Yogi govt is rapidly expanding sports infrastructure in Gorakhpur with the objective of transforming the city into a major sports hub of eastern Uttar Pradesh.Over the past few years, several large-scale projects have either been launched or upgraded to provide modern training facilities and better opportunities for emerging athletes in the region.Officials said Veer Bahadur Singh Sports College is being developed as a centre of excellence equipped with advanced sports amenities. After renovation works worth nearly Rs 10 crore, the government also sanctioned Rs 22.22 crore for the construction of a modern pavilion at the astro turf hockey ground, which is currently nearing completion.The Regional Sports Stadium is also undergoing extensive renovation at a cost of Rs 47.42 crore.Apart from these projects, several new sports facilities have been developed in different parts of the city, including the Mahant Avaidyanath Stadium, a mini sports stadium in Sahjanwa and a mini sports complex at Bhati Vihar in Rajendra Nagar.Officials added that another mini sports complex has been proposed in Gulriha, while plans are also underway to develop a sports city in the Rapti Nagar extension area.The city’s most ambitious sports project, however, is the proposed international cricket stadium, estimated to cost around Rs 393 crore. CM Yogi is scheduled to lay the foundation stone of the stadium on May 16.Ravi Kishan said the initiative would not only help nurture future sports champions but also promote sports tourism and create employment opportunities in sectors such as hospitality and transport.