Patna: Union minister of state for sports Raksha Khadse said on Sunday that Bihar’s approach to developing grassroots sports infrastructure could be implemented across India, as she praised the state’s ongoing efforts during a visit to Patna.
Addressing a sports conclave at a hotel in the state capital, Khadse highlighted the construction of sports grounds under the VB-G RAM scheme, describing it as an innovative model that has drawn attention at the national level.
She said the initiative, which focuses on building small stadiums and local playgrounds, was presented at a recent Chintan Shivir convened by Union sports minister Mansukh Mandaviya, where Bihar’s proposal stood out among participating states.
“Many states present their ideas, but Bihar’s model was particularly impressive,” Khadse said, adding that the Centre is now considering replicating it nationwide to strengthen grassroots sports infrastructure.
The minister also outlined the government’s broader objective of making India self-reliant in the production of sports equipment, linking infrastructure development with long-term capacity building in the sector.
During the event, Bihar’s sports minister Shreyasi Singh urged the Centre to consider hosting international sporting events in the state. Khadse responded positively, assuring that efforts would be made to bring such competitions to Bihar in the future.
She also stressed the importance of expanding sports science education beyond professional athletes, suggesting that it should be introduced at the school level to familiarise young students with modern training techniques and technology.
The visit underscores growing collaboration between the Centre and states in promoting sports as a tool for development, with Bihar emerging as a potential model for grassroots initiatives.
