Patna: The Bihar Sports Department is stepping up efforts to provide better platforms and advanced training facilities to emerging athletes, with a special focus on golf and fencing. A meeting chaired by Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh with representatives of the state’s golf and fencing associations discussed development plans and the requirements of athletes in both disciplines.
The discussions focused on talent identification, availability of coaches and technical staff, training venues and modern sports equipment, with the department stressing the need to strengthen the entire sports ecosystem from grassroots level to competitive preparation.
Golf Talent Identification to Be a Priority
The Bihar Golf Association raised the requirement for qualified coaches and technical staff to strengthen golf training in the state.
Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh said talent identification in golf will be a priority for the department. The government plans to identify promising players at an early stage and provide them with appropriate training, technical guidance and necessary resources.
She also emphasised that improving sporting performance requires investment not only in athletes but also in the coaches who train them.
Providing coaches with adequate support and facilities, she said, can help improve training quality and prepare players for higher levels of competition.
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Golf May Get a Platform Through ‘Mashaal’ Programme
The Sports Minister also indicated that the department may consider including golf in the proposed ‘Mashaal’ programme, expected to be organised in October.
The initiative could provide young people interested in golf with an additional platform to showcase their abilities and attract attention to emerging talent.
The minister stressed the importance of taking sports development beyond major cities and working with sports associations to identify talent across different parts of Bihar.
Fencing Facilities to Be Expanded Across Seven Districts
The fencing association requested a suitable venue in Patna for regular training and sporting activities. The association proposed making space available at the Khel Bhawan, Patna.
It also highlighted the need for fencing equipment and trained coaches at sports buildings in Patna, Gaya, Nalanda and four other districts.
The Sports Minister took the demands seriously and directed departmental officials to initiate necessary action to improve training facilities for fencing players.
The proposed expansion is expected to increase the reach of fencing training and help develop players at the district level.
Focus on Better Coaching and Modern Equipment
The development plans for fencing will focus on ensuring that players have access to appropriate infrastructure, trained coaches and modern equipment.
Strengthening these facilities at the district level could help identify promising players earlier and provide them with a structured pathway for competitive training.
The department is also looking to work closely with sports associations to ensure that available facilities and resources are used effectively.
Shreyasi Singh Calls for Joint Effort to Promote Fencing
During the interaction with fencing association representatives, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh said the department is committed to providing necessary support and facilities to take the sport to a higher level in Bihar.
She highlighted the importance of providing athletes with quality training and better opportunities to develop their skills.
The minister also described the development of fencing as a shared responsibility of the Sports Department and the association.
While the department will work towards providing the required support and infrastructure, associations and athletes will also need to make maximum use of the available resources to strengthen fencing in the state.
Bihar Moves Towards Comprehensive Sports Development
The meeting highlighted a broader shift in Bihar’s sports development strategy. The focus is increasingly moving beyond organising competitions towards building a complete sporting ecosystem.
The approach will cover:
- Talent identification at the grassroots level
- Quality coaching and technical support
- Modern sports equipment
- Training infrastructure
- Athlete development
- Greater opportunities for emerging players
- Coordination with sports associations
The expansion of facilities for sports such as golf and fencing is expected to give emerging athletes better opportunities to develop their skills and compete at higher levels.
Sports Department Secretary Deepak Anand and other senior departmental officials were also present at the meeting.
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