Union Minister Commends Bihar's Innovative Rural Sports Development Initiative
Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports, Raksha Khadse, on Sunday, publicly praised the Bihar government's pioneering initiative to develop mini stadiums and playgrounds in rural areas through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). She announced that the Central Government has decided to replicate this successful model across the entire country under the newly introduced VB-G RAM G Act 2025.
National Rollout of Bihar's Model Announced
Addressing a significant event organized by the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) and the state's sports department in Patna, Khadse elaborated on the decision. "The Bihar government has effectively developed mini stadiums and playgrounds in rural areas through the MGNREGA scheme," she stated. "The innovative idea that was presented at the sports initiative held in Hyderabad was highly appreciated. Now, the Union government has introduced the VB-G RAM G scheme in this year's Budget, and the same concept will be implemented nationwide."
Khadse emphasized that the Centre is taking every possible step to enhance the sporting environment, particularly infrastructure, in all states, despite sports being a state subject. She highlighted the deep passion for sports among the people of Bihar and stressed the critical need to make children aware of sports science from their school days. Furthermore, she confirmed that the Central Government is actively working to make sports compulsory from the school to college level.
Upcoming International Events and Infrastructure Boost
Referring to major upcoming international sporting events, Minister Khadse provided key updates:
- The Commonwealth Games 2028 will be organized in India.
- The World Athletics Championship will be held in Odisha.
She asserted that hosting more international sporting events would help athletes prepare to compete at international standards, thereby significantly strengthening the overall sports ecosystem and infrastructure in the country.
Bihar's Aspirations for Hosting Major Events
At the same event, Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games 2018, made a compelling appeal. She urged Union Minister Khadse to grant Bihar the opportunity to host one or two events if India secures the bid to host the 2036 Olympics. Singh also requested that the state be given a chance to host a sporting event, considering India has won the bid to host the Commonwealth Games in 2028.
Historical Context and Legacy
BSSA Director General-cum-Chief Executive Officer and senior IPS officer Raveendran Sankaran added a historical perspective, remarking, "Bihar does not merely write history; it rather creates history." He revealed that discussions are currently underway about hosting the Olympic Games in Bihar. Sankaran noted that for 15 years, the office of the Indian Olympic Association was located in Bihar, with JRD Tata serving as president and Moin-ul Haque as secretary general. He also proudly mentioned Bihar athlete Shivnath Singh, who qualified for the 1968 Olympics in track and field.
The event was also attended by State Sports Department Secretary Mahendra Kumar, underscoring the collaborative effort between state and central authorities in advancing sports development.
