Bihar has always been a pioneer in political movements. But, a lesser known fact is that the state has also been a pioneer in sports movement. Its sports legacy is as much rich as its political legacy. The Olympic movement was started here under the leadership of Moinul Haque, the then Secretary General of Indian Olympics Association, and noted industrialist JRD Tata. However, after the partition with Jharkhand, most of the sports infrastructure went to the latter. There was a vacuum in platform and leadership due to which many students passionate for sports went to other states for opportunities. 

However, slowly but surely, things are changing now. Bihar organized two sports conclaves in the past two years and carved a roadmap to rebuild its sports legacy. And, in record time, it stood at the 14^th position in the National School Games, taking a jump from 30. The state sub-junior team of kabaddi beat Haryana in the event held in Madurai this year. For the first time in last 30-35 years, a boy from Bihar was a part of the Indian team to the World Championship held at Argentina. And, five athletes – four boys and one girl – from Bihar are representing India in the Asian Games in China. 

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, CEO, Bihar State Sports Authority, Mr. Raveendran Sankaran, IPS, said that the target now is Olympics 2028. 

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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 posting 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 a full circle. “I want to fullfil my dream through the children of Bihar. It’s a selfish motive,” he said with a smile. 

TALENT SCOUTING 

Instead of building big infra and organizing big events, Bihar is focusing more on talent scouting. With the help of veterans and Dronacharyas like P. Gopichand, Kunji Rani Devi, Sreedhran, various camps have been held for talent in, Weightlifting, Volleyball, Archery, Athletics and Badminton. 

The unique thing about these talent hunts is the scientific approach. Explaining it, the officer said, “The body physique, endurance and stamina required for various sports are different. For example, we need students with good height and explosive strength for volleyball. So, our talent hunt is based on that.” 

FOCUSING ON LESSER KNOWN GAMES 

As states like Haryana is doing great in wrestling and kabaddi, and Kerala and Tamil Nadu are champions in volleyball, it leave a very tough spot for any other to enter these sports and conquer. But, it is not impossible, Mr. Sankaran said confidently, adding that it will require another 5-6 years to reach that level.

Under his leadership, Bihar has opted for a different approach. It is focusing more on games like rugby, wushu, sepak takraw (volleyball played with feet and head), jujitsu, dragon boat, etc. These games might not be popular but are part of various national games, Asian Games and even Olympics. The strategy has worked, as Bihar is already a champion in rugby, in sub-junior boys and girls and junior boys and girls. 

“Medal is a medal, whether it comes from a popular or unpopular game. If we win a medal, we automatically rise in the tally,” Mr. Sankaran said. He further informed that they are focusing more on individual games rather than team games. The number of medals and events in a team game is less. Whereas, in athletics, wushu, cycling, swimming, weightlifting and other such games, there are more events due to the weight category and, hence, chances of winning medal is also high. 

CONVINCING IS DIFFICULT 

Considering that the younger generation is more attracted towards games like wrestling, cricket, badminton and kabaddi due to their popularity, how is Bihar being able to make students join games like rugby and sepak takraw, which are not even known to many? 

Mr. Sankaran replied that convincing is indeed difficult. “It is challenging. Generally, we try to approach students who come on the 6^th, 7^th and ,8^th positions in any athletic sports. They have speed, endurance and stamina. We tell them that if they continue in the sports, they might have a chance in the state but it will be difficult for them to reach the national or international levels. But, they can use their strength in different games and increase the chance of winning medals and jobs.”

Those who agree are sent for training. And those who are stubborn and refuse to join are not pressurized. Till now, all this has worked well for Bihar as it is emerging as one of the top performers in sports. Mentioning that this would not be possible without the support of the Bihar government and CM Nitish Kumar and Deputy CM Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, Mr. Sankaran said,  “We are slowly climbing the ladder. If we keep working like this, one or two boys and girls from Bihar will definitely be a part of the Indian team for Olympics 2028.”