In a major push to unearth sporting talent from its grassroots, the Bihar government has announced an ambitious plan to establish dedicated sports clubs in more than eight thousand village councils across the state. The announcement was made by Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, who emphasized a renewed focus on creating a robust sports ecosystem from the village level upwards.
Grassroots Revolution: Clubs in Every Panchayat
Addressing the gathering at the 'Sansad Khel Mahotsav-2025' held at Patliputra Sports Complex, Choudhary laid out the government's vision. Over 8,000 panchayats will soon have their own sports clubs, equipped with materials and gear for various disciplines. The core objective is to provide a structured platform for children and youth in rural areas to play, train, and be identified for their potential.
The deputy CM expressed hope that this widespread network would help discover exceptional athletes from the hinterlands, much like cricket legends Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar who rose from humble beginnings. He stated that making sports equipment accessible at the panchayat level is the first critical step in this talent-nurturing mission.
Jobs for Champions and Infrastructure Boost
Alongside creating access, the government is also focusing on incentives and infrastructure. Choudhary revealed that the state has formulated a policy to provide government jobs to athletes who excel at national and international competitions. This performance-based recruitment is aimed at offering financial security and making sports a viable career choice.
On the infrastructure front, the work is already underway. The government is currently constructing 13 new sports complexes to strengthen the state's sporting facilities. Choudhary gave specific updates on two key venues in Patna. The historic Moin-ul-Haq Stadium, which hosted its last World Cup match in 1996, will soon see construction begin to transform it into an international-standard cricket ground.
Furthermore, the Patliputra Sports Complex, the venue for the Mahotsav, is set for a grand renovation. The deputy CM also acknowledged the demand for a swimming pool at the complex, assuring that the matter would be discussed with the Chief Minister for fulfillment.
Government's Commitment and Future Vision
Choudhary highlighted that more young people in Bihar are now looking at sports as a serious profession, and initiatives like the central government's 'Khelo India' program are being actively promoted in the state. He reiterated the state government's unwavering commitment to supporting sportspersons at every stage of their journey.
Looking ahead, the Deputy CM appealed to the event's organizer, former Union minister and Patna Sahib MP, to expand the scale of the 'Sansad Khel Mahotsav' in the coming years. He promised the state government's full support for such large-scale sporting events, signaling a collaborative approach to putting Bihar on the national sports map.
