Patna: Bihar, home to a youthful population where over 58% are under the age of 25, is increasingly becoming a hub of sporting talent. Recognizing the potential of its youth, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is determined to develop the state by focusing on education and sports training. Thanks to government initiatives and their own hard work, many young athletes from Bihar are excelling in various fields, bringing pride to the state. Bihar has produced numerous notable athletes in hockey, athletics, archery, kabaddi, and cricket, including names like Shivnath Singh, C. Prasad, Sanjeev Singh, Rajiv Kumar Singh, and Kirti Azad.
To further support athletes, the Bihar government has introduced the Bihar Sports Scholarship Scheme 2024 under the ‘Long Term Athlete Development Program.’ Previously, financial constraints hindered many young talents from pursuing their athletic dreams. The aim of this scheme is to provide financial support and opportunities to young athletes at every level, ensuring that they have the resources they need to succeed.
The Bihar Sports Scholarship Scheme is divided into three categories. The first category provides financial support of Rs 3 lakh per year to 500 players aged 12 to 18 who excel at the district and state levels. This includes athletes who win medals in competitions organized by the School Games Federation of India. The second category offers Rs 5 lakh annually to 200 national and international level players aged 12 to 24, including those who have competed in international events or won medals in university-level competitions. The third category provides Rs 20 lakh per year to 25 Olympic-level athletes who have qualified for senior national competitions or participated in international events. These athletes are also eligible for training abroad.
In addition to financial assistance, the scheme includes cashless medical insurance for all athletes in these categories. Players can apply for the scholarship through the dedicated portal, scholarship.bihar.org, and must upload relevant documents and achievement certificates. A high-level committee will be responsible for reviewing athlete performance annually and overseeing the implementation of the scheme.
The Nitish Kumar government has also approved significant investments in sports infrastructure, with plans to develop international-standard facilities across Bihar’s divisions. New stadiums will be constructed in regions with high participation in specific sports, and accommodations will be made for players and coaches. The state is also building stadiums at the block level, and athletes who win medals in national and international competitions are being offered government jobs, boosting both enthusiasm and confidence among young players.
