Patna: A Sports Conclave aimed at strengthening the sports ecosystem and promoting athletes in Bihar was held here on Sunday, where Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse and Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh outlined the vision of the central and state governments for sports development.
Addressing the conclave, the ministers said that the suggestions and recommendations emerging from the discussions would be presented at the National Chintan Shivir scheduled to be held in April. They said Bihar is moving rapidly towards establishing a new identity in the field of sports and the pace of development is expected to accelerate further.
Mini stadium model to be implemented nationwide
Raksha Khadse said the initiative taken by the Bihar government to develop mini stadiums and playgrounds in rural areas under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been adopted by the central government and will now be implemented across the country.
She said the model has been included in a new scheme introduced in the Union Budget this year, which aims to promote sports infrastructure at the grassroots level nationwide.
Need to promote sports awareness from school level
Khadse also praised the Bihar government’s efforts on the occasion of Bihar Diwas and said the central government is ready to provide all possible support to states for the development of sports.
She emphasised the importance of introducing children to sports and sports science from the school level itself. The government is also considering making sports compulsory from school to college, she said.
Referring to the Khelo India events organised in Bihar, Khadse said such initiatives have helped showcase the state’s culture and identity across the country. She added that the enthusiasm and vision being seen in Bihar regarding the 2036 Olympics is unmatched in the country.
According to her, the commitment shown by the government and sports administrators in promoting sports will help Bihar move ahead as a developing hub for sports in India.
She also highlighted the broader benefits of sports, saying participation helps youth develop leadership skills, time management abilities and also helps in dealing with issues such as depression and anxiety.
Bihar seeks chance to host Olympic events
Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh urged the central government to consider giving Bihar the opportunity to host one or two sporting events if India wins the bid to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
She said such an opportunity would give athletes from the state exposure to international-level competitions and boost their confidence.
Singh added that the state government is working on two fronts — preparing athletes at the grassroots level and developing stadiums that meet national and international standards.
She said the government has decided to establish District Centres of Excellence in every district, which will be linked with universities so that athletes can continue their education while receiving professional sports training.
Singh also appealed to sports entrepreneurs to set up sports equipment manufacturing units in Bihar, assuring them that the government would extend all possible support.
Bihar has a strong sporting legacy
Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority Ravindran Shankaran said Bihar has a long and proud sporting history.
He noted that the office of the Indian Olympic Association was once based in Bihar and was chaired by industrialist JRD Tata. He also recalled that Bihar athlete Shivnath Singh had qualified for the 1968 Olympics.
Recently, sprinter Piyush Raj won a gold medal in the 400 metres event, reviving memories of the state’s earlier achievements in athletics, he said.
The conclave also discussed Bihar’s participation and preparation for the 2028 Commonwealth Games and the 2036 Olympic Games.
