In a significant development for Bihar's sports landscape, the construction of a modern sports stadium has officially commenced at the ITI Ground in Buxar. This high-profile project, launched by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar during his Pragati Yatra, represents a major investment of Rs 43.38 crore aimed at transforming local athletic facilities.
A Multipurpose Hub for Sports and Culture
The ambitious development is not just a stadium but a comprehensive sports complex. A key feature is a G+1 multi-purpose hall designed for indoor games and cultural events. This two-storey hall, covering approximately 2,327 square metres, will serve multiple roles:
- Hosting indoor sports competitions and practice sessions.
- Staging cultural programmes and social gatherings.
- Conducting training camps for athletes.
This integrated approach aims to create a vibrant community hub that goes beyond just sports.
Part of a Larger State-Driven Sports Push
The Buxar stadium project has gained momentum under the state government's focused drive to upgrade sports infrastructure across Bihar. This initiative aligns closely with schemes like "Bring a Medal, Get a Job", which incentivizes athletic excellence by offering government employment to medal winners. The broader goal is to provide superior training facilities and retain local talent within the state.
Local Athletes and Officials Welcome the Development
The project has been met with widespread enthusiasm from the sporting community in Buxar. District Sports Officer Alok Narayan Vats highlighted a persistent challenge, noting that many talented players previously had to leave the district due to the lack of modern facilities. He expressed confidence that the new complex would provide better training and competition opportunities locally.
Varsha Pandey, BJP leader and President of the Buxar District Cricket Association, emphasized the economic angle. She stated that the project would promote sports tourism and subsequently strengthen the local economy, calling it a "golden opportunity for Buxar" under the NDA government's focus on sports development.
Former national kho-kho player Soni Kumari observed that visible progress at the construction site has already generated fresh energy and optimism among local players. Echoing this sentiment, Ashok Kumar Singh, a state-level volleyball player, said the completed stadium would give a new direction to sports in Buxar, enabling the hosting of district and state-level tournaments and putting the district firmly on the sports map of Bihar.
The commencement of work on the Buxar sports stadium marks a pivotal step in addressing the infrastructure gap for athletes in the region. By combining a stadium with a versatile indoor hall, the project seeks to nurture talent, host events, and create a lasting legacy for sports and culture in the district.
