Shailja Jha
Patna: In a glittering ceremony held at the Patliputra Sports Complex at Patna, Jitendra Kumar Rai, Minister of Art, Culture, and Youth Department of Bihar, felicitated and honored the medal-winning players and coaches of Bihar who excelled at the recently concluded 37th National Games in Goa.
The ceremony saw the distinguished guests presenting vests and insignia to the accomplished athletes, acknowledging their remarkable achievements in the national sporting arena.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Rai extended his heartfelt congratulations to the medal-winning players, emphasizing their pivotal role in bringing glory to Bihar. He highlighted the government’s relentless commitment to the comprehensive development of sports and athletes in the state, with tangible results beginning to manifest.
In addition to the accolades, Rai announced a significant incentive for the triumphant athletes. Under the government’s “Medal Lao Job Pao” scheme, players securing medals at the National Games will be rewarded not only with cash prizes but also with lucrative government job opportunities.
Ravindran Shankaran, the Director General cum Chief Executive Officer of Bihar State Sports Authority, took pride in the continued dominance of Bihar’s athletes in the 37th National Games. Commending their stellar performance, Shankaran said that Bihar secured a total of 8 medals, including 3 silver and 5 bronze, a substantial improvement from the last National Games where the state clinched only 2 bronze medals.
Highlighting the rapid ascent of the sports movement in Bihar, Shankaran described the achievements as a matter of great pride for the state, showcasing the remarkable progress made in a relatively short period.
Director-cum-Secretary of Bihar State Sports Authority, Pankaj Kumar Raj, shared insights into the state’s commitment to athlete development. He outlined the comprehensive support provided to athletes, including necessary training, equipment, and facilities. Raj also emphasized the tradition of sending off and welcoming returning athletes with encouragement and respect, fostering a healthy environment for the growth of sports in Bihar.
The welcome ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Minister Rai, Director General Ravindran Shankaran, Director cum Secretary Pankaj Kumar Raj, as well as secretaries, officials from various sports associations in Bihar, and sports coaches from diverse disciplines.
