Bihar Secures International Partnerships to Revolutionize Swimming Infrastructure
In a landmark development for sports in the state, Bihar has embarked on an ambitious journey to transform its swimming landscape through strategic international collaborations. The initiative gained significant momentum during high-level discussions held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, where a state delegation participated in the annual general assembly meeting of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Historic Accreditation and Strategic Discussions
Led by Sports Minister and Olympian Shreyasi Singh, the Bihar delegation received official accreditation to participate in the OCA meeting on Republic Day, marking a significant milestone. This accreditation positions Bihar as the first Indian state to engage directly with both the Olympic Council of Asia and the World Aquatics Federation on such comprehensive sports development initiatives.
The discussions focused on three primary objectives that could potentially reshape swimming in Bihar:
- Infrastructure Enhancement: Developing world-class swimming facilities across the state
- Athlete Development: Implementing advanced training methodologies for swimmers
- Competition Hosting: Organizing national-level swimming programs and competitions
International Training Opportunity for State Champion
One of the most significant outcomes from the Tashkent meeting involves Bihar's national swimming champion, Mahi Shwet Raj. It was formally agreed that Raj would receive advanced training abroad with substantial support from the World Swimming Federation. This initiative represents a major step forward in providing international exposure and world-class training opportunities for Bihar's promising athletes.
Multi-Organization Collaboration Framework
The meeting concluded with an agreement in principle for comprehensive collaboration between multiple organizations. The partnership framework includes:
- The Bihar Government's Sports Department
- The Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA)
- The Swimming Federation of India
- The National Swimming Federation
- The World Aquatics Federation
Officials confirmed that this collaboration will soon be formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU), creating a structured framework for implementing the discussed initiatives.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
During their visit to Tashkent, the Bihar delegation engaged in crucial discussions with Captain Husain, Director General of the OCA and President of the World Aquatics Federation. Shreyasi Singh, drawing from her experience as an international shooting champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, presented comprehensive plans to elevate swimming and aquatic sports in Bihar.
The delegation also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at a memorial corner commemorating the 1966 Tashkent Declaration. In a symbolic gesture, they offered a bouquet of 21 red roses at his statue, connecting historical diplomacy with contemporary sports development efforts.
Comprehensive Implementation Strategy
The Bihar delegation, which included Bihar State Sports Authority DG-cum-CEO Ravindran K Shankaran and department secretary Mahendra Kumar, has developed a multi-faceted approach to swimming development. The strategy encompasses infrastructure modernization, talent identification systems, coach training programs, and competition organization mechanisms.
This initiative represents a paradigm shift in how Indian states approach sports development, with Bihar pioneering direct engagement with international sports federations. The comprehensive approach addresses both immediate athlete needs and long-term infrastructure requirements, potentially creating a model that other states might follow for sports development in specialized disciplines.
