The state of Bihar is on the path to regaining its sports legacy, and a roadmap is already in place for Olympics 2028. With focus on talent scouting and nurturing, the state has been able to send five athletes to the ongoing Asian Games being held in China. Now, the target is Olympics 2028.
Speaking to Indian Masterminds, IPS officer and CEO, Bihar State Sports Authority, Mr. Raveendra Sankaran, said that several initiatives have been taken by the state government and administration to discover athletes from school, colleges, and also give them job security. ‘Medal Lao, Naukari Pao’ is one such initiative launched by the Chief Minister this year during the 18th National Inter-District Junior Athletics Meet held in Patna. In less than six months of the announcement, Bihar is ready to give jobs to more than 100 athletes this month.
A-GRADE JOBS TO ATHELETES
The athletes will get A-grade jobs based on their level of achievement. Mr. Sankaran said that a ‘Medal Lao, Naukari Pao’ portal has been made especially for this. Athletes have to upload their certificates and apply for the job. After the scrutiny of the certificates, the job will be awarded based on their achievements.
“More than 100 are going to get jobs this month. Some of them are going to get jobs in Administrative Service and Bihar Police Service,” said Mr. Sankaran. He also said that this initiative will encourage more and more students and youngsters to come forward and take up sports.
TRAINING FOR PE TEACHERS
Besides awarding jobs to the winners, the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) is also focusing on nurturing talents from schools. Physical Education teachers and students have a major role to play in creating the future sports legacy of Bihar. Realizing this, BSSA has tied up with the education department to upgrade the skills of Physical Education teachers.
CHESS TO BE INTRODUCED
While teachers will be trained, Chess will be introduced as a compulsory game in every school.
Mr. Sankaran said, “Students of Bihar are talented and intelligent. There are so many good players. Plus, chess is already a popular game in the state.” He also said that Chess has been selected because no big infrastructure is required for this game. This step is already showing good results. A 7-year-old girl from the state won National School Championship and Md. Ryan won Asian School Championship last year. Mr. Sankaran is hopeful that the state will have its own grandmasters in chess soon.
