Patna:Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Sports Department at Sankalp Hall, Lok Sevak Awas, to assess the progress of sports infrastructure projects and athlete welfare programmes across Bihar.
During the meeting, officials presented updates on ongoing projects, sports promotion schemes, athlete support initiatives and future plans for sports development in the state.
Rajgir cricket stadium by December 2026
The Chief Minister directed officials to complete the construction of the international cricket stadium in Rajgir by December 31 this year..
He also instructed the department to develop separate international-standard stadiums for multiple sports disciplines at the Dumri Sports Complex in Patna.
The government said these projects form part of a broader effort to strengthen sports infrastructure and create facilities capable of hosting national and international competitions.
Focus on athlete support and employment incentives
The state government reiterated its commitment to supporting athletes through training, coaching, sports equipment and other essential facilities.
Officials said sportspersons are being encouraged through the state’s “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” initiative, which links sporting achievements with employment opportunities.
The Chief Minister said talented athletes should continue receiving support to improve their performance at national and international levels.
Expansion of sports facilities in rural Bihar
According to the review, sports grounds have been completed in 5,266 locations across 4,700 gram panchayats out of Bihar’s 8,053 gram panchayats.
The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite construction of the remaining facilities and explore the use of the VB-GRAM-G (Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission, Rural) programme for developing sports grounds in villages.
He also called for regular sports festivals and competitions at the panchayat level to identify and nurture grassroots talent.
Moin-ul-Haq Stadium redevelopment under review
The Chief Minister asked officials to strengthen coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) to accelerate the redevelopment of Patna’s Moin-ul-Haq Stadium.
He also directed authorities to improve road and transport connectivity to the venue to facilitate smoother movement during major sporting events.
PPP model considered for sports facilities
The government is exploring Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for the operation and maintenance of district-level sports complexes, gymnasiums and block-level outdoor stadiums.
Officials were instructed to complete ongoing construction projects within stipulated timelines and assess sustainable management models for these facilities.
Sports university and skill-oriented courses
The Chief Minister said Bihar Sports University in Rajgir should prioritise courses that promote innovation, offer wider applicability and improve employment prospects for students.
He also emphasised the need to strengthen sports infrastructure at district and block levels to provide greater opportunities for athletes from rural areas.
Senior officials attend review meeting
The meeting was attended by Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Development Commissioner Mihir Kumar Singh, Sports Department Secretary Vinod Singh Gunjiyal, Bihar State Sports Authority Director General Ravindran Shankaran, Sports Department Director Arif Ahsan and other senior officials.
