Bihar as a state has developed a lot under Nitish Kumar. After doing well in academics it is quietly but strongly establishing its impact on the sporting arena. The State Government’s proactive policy, which focuses on developing young talent, improving facilities, and supporting elite athletes, the results are beginning to show. They have a clear vision of sending more athletes from the state in the forthcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
Bihar has identified key disciplines that are likely to produce international athletes who might help India improve its standing in various multi-sport tournaments. The Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) has been instrumental in this transforming path. After taking over as DG of BSSA, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar was tasked with a mission. By 2028, they must ensure that one or two Bihar athletes compete in the Olympics as part of the Indian team.
The Bihar Sports University is a breakthrough initiative spanning 92.6 acres, with 90% of the work currently completed. Rajgir’s State Sports Academy will operate as a Centre for Excellence, providing training in 23 indoor and outdoor disciplines. They have already built the first hockey turf, and Hockey India has graciously scheduled an exhibition match to commence it. Following the (women’s) Asian Championship Trophy (ACT) hockey competition in November.
Bihar defy its struggles to create India’s next global athlete
Will Bihar produce the next Olympic medalist? In an exclusive interview with The Hindu, Raveendran Sankaran, the director general of BSSA and a senior IPS officer, discusses ongoing measures aimed at making a big effect. They will begin academic activities there to prepare for the ACT. He said We believe sports academics must align with actual training. This integrated philosophy is key to benefit athletes and sports administrators alike.
The National Institute of Sports in Patiala provides competitive diploma courses but has a limited intake. We want to provide short courses in a variety of fields, including sports psychology, nutrition, and physiotherapy. There is a critical demand for qualified coaches in our state, so we have launched coach development programs, with level one and two courses currently underway. They also have state centers in Patna for sports including weightlifting, shooting, and athletics.
