Rajgir: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday inaugurated the State Sports Academy and Bihar Sports University at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda district. The inauguration ceremony involved a ribbon-cutting and plaque unveiling, marking a significant milestone for the state’s sporting community.
During the event, which coincided with National Sports Day, the Chief Minister honoured nine international medal winners from Bihar. Among those recognised were Arjun Award winner Shreyasi Singh, who participated in the Paris Olympics 2024 and won a gold medal in shooting at the Asian Games 2022, and Akash Kumar, Sudhanshu Shekhar, Sweta Shahi, Md. Shams Alam Sheikh, and Chandan Kumar Singh, who represented India in various disciplines at the Asian Games 2022 and the Senior Asian Championship 2024. Also honoured were Md. Jalaluddin Ansari, a participant in the Senior Asian Championship 2024 para cycling, and wrestling coach Shashi Bhushan Prasad, who received the Dronacharya Award at the Asian Games 2023.
The ceremony featured tributes to Major Dhyan Chand, the legendary Indian hockey player, with the Chief Minister paying homage by offering flowers to his photograph. Principal Secretary of the Sports Department, Dr. B. Rajender, and Secretary of the Building Construction Department, Kumar Ravi, also honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him with a green plant and a symbolic gift, respectively.
Shreyasi Singh and members of the Indian hockey team welcomed the Chief Minister with a jersey presentation. CM Nitish also honoured the women players of the Indian hockey team who participated in the 18th Asian Games and their coach, Harendra Singh, who hails from Chhapra.
A short film showcasing the construction of the Rajgir Sports Complex and the efforts of the Sports Department to develop sports in Bihar was presented during the event.
Following the ceremony, the Chief Minister inspected various facilities at the Rajgir Sports Complex, including the main administrative building and the newly constructed Astroturf hockey ground, where he inaugurated a match and met with the players. He also toured the swimming pool and the under-construction International Cricket Stadium, urging quick completion of the work.
In addition, CM Nitish inspected the under-construction Jarasandh Memorial and museum, stressing the importance of providing bilingual information—first in Hindi and then in English—to enhance visitor experience. He also reviewed the park and pond being constructed at the site, recommending the installation of railings for safety.
Finally, the Chief Minister visited the under-construction Integrated Building near the rope-way and called for the prompt completion of the project.
