Bihar's youngest cabinet minister, Shreyasi Singh, is on a mission to transform the state's sporting landscape. The nationally acclaimed shooter and BJP MLA from Jamui, who holds the dual portfolios of Sports and Information Technology, has set an ambitious target: to have at least 10 athletes from Bihar represent India at the 2036 Olympic Games. In an exclusive conversation, Minister Singh detailed her blueprint, which involves massive infrastructure development, grassroots talent scouting, and bridging the digital divide.
Building a Sporting Ecosystem: From Rajgir to Panchayats
Minister Singh highlighted significant strides already taken. The crown jewel is the international-level sports stadium and the Sports University of Bihar in Rajgir, Nalanda, funded partly by a UGC grant. This makes Bihar the seventh Indian state with a dedicated sports university. Rajgir also functions as a Centre of Excellence for wrestling, weightlifting, archery, and hockey.
"Our achievements are less advertised," Singh noted, pointing to other facilities like the eight-court national-level badminton facility in Bhagalpur and a nearly complete cricket stadium in Rajgir. The revamp of Patna's iconic Moin-ul-Haq Stadium is a top priority, with an MoU already signed with the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA).
To manage budget constraints, the government is adopting a phased approach. The sports budget has seen a 600% increase over the last five years, with Rs 400 crore allocated for Rajgir's infrastructure. Beyond large stadiums, the focus is decentralised. Playground projects at the panchayat level and planned youth clubs aim to take sports to the grassroots. The 'Mashal Yojna' is actively identifying and nurturing talent at this level.
Academies, Sports Science, and a Cultural Shift
The vision extends to creating holistic sports academies. "We are looking at opening several academies where children can be nurtured," Singh explained. These institutions will provide comprehensive support covering skill training, accommodation, and education, ensuring athletes don't have to choose between sports and studies.
A key focus is introducing sports science—encompassing recovery, nutrition, mental fitness, and strength training—early in an athlete's journey. "Since the sports department is only one and a half years old, we want to get on with this trend early," she added.
Reflecting on her own career, Singh painted a picture of dramatic change. From a time when Bihar athletes received no welcome after international wins, the state now celebrates its champions. The medal tally speaks volumes: from zero medals at the 2011 National Games to a record 11 medals at the recent National Games in Uttarakhand with a contingent of 250-300 athletes.
Empowering Women and Bridging the IT Divide
Addressing barriers for women athletes, Singh acknowledged that while professional parity in pay and scholarships has improved, social challenges persist. "My doors are always open for women athletes to have closed-door conversations," she stated. Her solution involves inclusion at the support-staff and coaching levels within the Sports Department to ensure safety and empowerment.
On the IT front, her strategy is to decentralise technology hubs beyond Patna to tier-2 cities. "Most people working across the Indian IT sector... are Biharis. While there may be a dearth of information technology in Bihar, that is not because Biharis don't have intellect," she asserted. Plans include establishing IT parks, Software Technology Parks (STPs), and AI Centres of Excellence to generate local employment and attract private investment through a single-window policy.
The establishment of three AI Centres of Excellence, approved in the first cabinet meeting post-elections, is a strategic move to align Bihar with global trends. These centres will explore applications in art, agriculture, and education. "Since AI is vast, we cannot dictate specifics. We must keep the doors open and engage with the market," Singh concluded, outlining a dual vision where podium glory and digital prowess propel Bihar's future.
