International Sports in Bihar to Get Olympic-Level Facilities: Chief Minister

Key Highlights:

• Athletes are being encouraged through the “Win a Medal, Get a Job” scheme.
• Construction of the international cricket stadium in Rajgir to be completed by December 31, 2026.
• Separate international-standard stadiums for various sports to be developed at the Dumri Sports Complex in Patna.
• Out of Bihar’s 8,053 gram panchayats, sports grounds have already been completed in 5,266 locations across 4,700 panchayats.
• Remaining sports grounds to be completed at the earliest.
• Sports grounds will also be developed in village panchayats through the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural).
• Athletes will be provided training, sports equipment, coaching, and other essential facilities for national and international competitions.

Patna, June 2026: Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting of the Sports Department at the Sankalp Hall of Lok Sevak Bhavan.

During the meeting, Sports Department Secretary Vinod Singh Gunjiyal presented a detailed report on the development of sports infrastructure, progress of various schemes, facilities and incentives being provided to athletes, and future plans for sports development in Bihar.

Reviewing the initiatives, the Chief Minister said Bihar would provide Olympic-level facilities for international sports. He noted that the state government has taken several measures to promote sports and is developing world-class sports infrastructure in a phased manner.

He said talented young athletes who achieve success at the national level are being recognised and rewarded. Along with providing better sports facilities, the government is motivating players through the “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” (Win a Medal, Get a Job) scheme.

The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that the international cricket stadium under construction in Rajgir is completed by December 31, 2026. He also instructed the development of separate international-standard stadiums for different sports at the Dumri Sports Complex in Patna.

He noted that sports grounds have already been completed in 5,266 locations across 4,700 gram panchayats out of the state’s total 8,053 panchayats. He ordered officials to expedite the construction of the remaining grounds and ensure sports infrastructure is also created under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Employment and Livelihood Mission (Rural).

The Chief Minister further directed officials to accelerate the redevelopment of Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna through coordination with the Board of Control for Cricket in India and the Bihar Cricket Association. He stressed the need for improved road and transport connectivity to the stadium to effectively manage crowds during major sporting events.

He also suggested prioritising innovative and employment-oriented academic programmes at the Bihar Sports University. Construction of district-level sports complexes and gymnasiums should be accelerated, while the possibility of operating and maintaining these facilities through the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model should be explored.

The Chief Minister emphasised the timely completion of block-level outdoor stadiums and called for sustainable maintenance mechanisms through PPP arrangements.

He urged authorities to organise regular sports festivals and competitions at the panchayat level to identify and nurture rural sporting talent. Former athletes, youth, and local residents should be actively involved through panchayat sports clubs to strengthen sports culture across the state.

Choudhary also directed officials to ensure that athletes receive quality coaching, sports equipment, training, and other essential support to compete successfully at national and international levels. Expanding sports facilities at district and block levels, he said, would provide greater opportunities for rural talent to flourish.

The meeting was attended by Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, senior government officials, representatives of the Bihar State Sports Authority, and other department officials.