Bihar News : Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday announced that the state government will launch a sports talent identification campaign in every panchayat from September 15 to discover and nurture promising athletes from rural areas. He said the initiative aims to provide world-class training and opportunities, ensuring that talented sportspersons from every corner of Bihar get the platform they deserve.
The Chief Minister was addressing the appointment letter and sports scholarship distribution ceremony organized by the Sports Department at Urja Auditorium in Rajvanshinagar, Patna. The event began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp.
Appointment Letters for 19 Athletes
Under the “Win Medals, Get Jobs” scheme, Choudhary handed over appointment letters to 19 outstanding athletes, including international cricketers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar. Both cricketers were appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), while athlete Piyush Raj was appointed as a Sub-Inspector of Police. Appointment letters were also presented to five para-athletes and several other distinguished sportspersons from different disciplines.
The Chief Minister said it was a matter of pride for Bihar that, for the first time, a sportsperson had been appointed to the rank of DSP, adding that the move would inspire young athletes across the state.
Sports Talent Hunt in Every Panchayat
Choudhary announced that beginning September 15, a special sports talent search campaign will be conducted in every panchayat. Selected athletes will receive structured coaching, modern training facilities, and professional guidance to help them compete at national and international levels.
He added that the state government has completed the construction of 5,000 playgrounds across Bihar over the past two years to strengthen sports infrastructure and promote a sporting culture in rural areas.
Focus on World-Class Sports Infrastructure
The Chief Minister said Bihar is investing heavily in modern sports infrastructure. The redevelopment of Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna is underway, and its operations have been entrusted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With a seating capacity of around 40,000 spectators, the stadium is being upgraded to host national and international sporting events.
He also highlighted the establishment of a Sports University in Nalanda and noted that Bihar has successfully hosted three World Cup-level sporting events, giving the state greater recognition on the national and international sports map.
Awards and Scholarships for Athletes
During the event, under the Sports Honour Scheme, athlete Setu Mishra was awarded a symbolic cheque of ₹3.75 million for winning gold and silver medals at the 2026 Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships and becoming the first athlete from Bihar to win an international athletics gold medal. Vibhaskar Kumar received ₹200,000 for representing India in the same championship, while chess player Mariam Fatima was awarded ₹900,000 for winning a bronze medal in the blitz event at the 2026 Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship.
The Chief Minister also distributed certificates to athletes selected under the Utkarsh, Saksham, and Prerna Scholarship Schemes. Under the Bihar Sports Scholarship Scheme 2026, a total of 637 athletes will receive financial assistance this year, including 21 under Utkarsh, 184 under Saksham, and 432 under Prerna. Of the athletes selected under the Prerna category, 269 were identified through the statewide Mashaal Talent Hunt Programme.
Vision for Bihar’s Sporting Future
Calling upon athletes to dream bigger, Choudhary said their goal should not be limited to winning medals but should also include making Bihar a leading sporting state in India. He expressed confidence that in the coming years, athletes from Bihar would bring glory to the state and the nation at the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cups, and the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The ceremony was also addressed by Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, Sports Department Secretary Deepak Anand, and Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority Ravindran Shankaran. Senior government officials, sports administrators, and a large number of athletes were also present at the event.
