Over two years ago, when IPS officer Raveendran Sankaran took charge as the Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, the state was struggling to make a mark in the sports arena. However, under his leadership, things began to change. Bihar organized two sports conclaves in the past two years, establishing a roadmap to rebuild its sports legacy. In record time, the state rose from 30th to 14th position in the National School Games.
This year, Bihar’s sub-junior kabaddi team triumphed over Haryana in Madurai. For the first time in 30-35 years, a boy from Bihar was part of the Indian team at the World Championship in Argentina. Additionally, five athletes from Bihar, including four boys and one girl, are representing India at the Asian Games in China. Shailesh Kumar won a gold medal at the Asian Games, and Shreyasi Singh has qualified for the Olympics. Bihar also organized its first-ever Women’s Kabaddi League.
All these achievements were made possible by the dedication of Mr. Sankaran and his team, who received full support from the state government. However, Mr. Sankaran, who is also the ADG of the Bihar Military Police, has a personal motive driving his efforts. What is it? How does an athlete’s success reflect his own? Why is he so passionate about sports and athletes? Why have their dreams become his dreams? Watch the full video to find out.
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A SELFISH MOTIVE
Born in Tamil Nadu, IPS officer Mr. Sankaran is a 1995-batch officer of Bihar cadre. He has previously served as ADG, Human Rights, and Anti-Terrorist Squad. But, being in the State Sports Authority has always been his dream as he was an athlete and had won many medals in state and national games. It was his and his father’s dream to play in the Olympics.
But, destiny had other plans. He met with an accident and his sports career was over due to injuries. Now that he is in BSSA, he feels that life has come full circle. “I want to fulfill my dream through the children of Bihar. It’s a selfish motive,” he told IM with a smile.