Patna: In an ambitious push to transform Bihar into a sporting powerhouse, the state government has launched an expansive programme to bolster sports infrastructure and talent development, particularly in rural areas. From building thousands of sports grounds under MNREGA to establishing a state-of-the-art sports university in Rajgir, Bihar is laying the groundwork for what officials hope will be a sporting renaissance.
Out of 8,053 panchayats across the state, work is underway to develop sports grounds in 8,018. Construction has been completed in 3,079 panchayats, with another 5,742 projects in progress. The initiative is part of a broader vision to encourage youth participation in sports at the grassroots and unearth local talent.
The Bihar State Sports Authority has also received over 20,900 applications for forming sports clubs at the panchayat and nagar panchayat levels, signalling a growing enthusiasm among communities. “This is not just about infrastructure, it’s a cultural shift,” an official said.
Simultaneously, the government is developing divisional-level sports infrastructure, with land acquisition underway in Patna, Purnia, Saharsa, and Darbhanga. Rajgir, already home to a new high-performance sports academy, now also hosts the newly approved Bihar Sports University, offering degrees in physical education, coaching, and sports research. The university has received UGC recognition, and its administrative structure is already in place.
In a nod to excellence, the government has launched the ‘Mashal 2024’ initiative—hailed as the world’s largest sports talent hunt—targeting children in government schools. So far, 16 lakh students have enrolled in five key disciplines, receiving access to training, education, and nutrition.
Under the Chief Minister Sports Development Scheme, outdoor stadiums are being constructed in all blocks, with 252 completed and 64 under construction. Additionally, proposals for 116 projects worth Rs 930 crore have been sent to the central government under the Khelo India scheme.
To support promising athletes, Bihar has awarded Rs 7.15 crore in scholarships to 128 sportspersons this year alone.
In the capital, the historic Moin-ul-Haq Stadium is poised for a grand revival. An MoU with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) aims to transform it into a modern facility, with progress being reviewed monthly.
“We’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building a movement,” a senior state sports official said. With its multi-pronged strategy combining grassroots outreach, academic rigour, and elite training, Bihar is positioning itself to make a mark not just nationally but globally in the coming years.
