Written By :- Avinash Mishra, CEO & MD, Schicksal Group
Sports Culture in Bihar – Need Assessment & Development
Introduction
Bihar, a state rich in history and culture, has traditionally been associated with academic achievements and civil services. However, its potential to excel in sports remains largely untapped. Despite the passion for sports at the grassroots level, Bihar’s sports culture requires a focused approach for assessment and development to match the standards of other states in India. This article explores the current state of sports in Bihar, identifies the challenges, and suggests a roadmap for its development.
Current Sports Scenario in Bihar
- Infrastructure and Facilities: Bihar’s sports infrastructure has seen notable improvements in recent years. The establishment of the Bihar Sports Academy and Sports University in Rajgir is a significant milestone. This facility offers training in 24 disciplines with modern amenities like an athletics track, football stadium, hockey turf, and swimming pool, fostering an environment conducive to professional sports training. Additionally, the construction of block-level stadiums is underway to bring infrastructure closer to rural talent.
- Talent Pool: Bihar’s rural areas harbor immense untapped potential. Sports like kabaddi, wrestling, and athletics witness active participation at local levels. However, the absence of structured talent identification programs has limited these athletes’ transition to professional levels.
- Policy and Support: Government initiatives, including direct recruitment for outstanding athletes into services like the police, indicate a shift towards recognizing sports as a viable career. Despite this, the lack of long-term policies and grassroots support often leaves promising athletes without adequate resources.
Need Assessment
- Infrastructure Gap: While flagship facilities like the Rajgir Sports Academy exist, most rural and semi-urban areas lack basic training facilities. Accessible and affordable infrastructure is essential to democratize sports opportunities.
- Talent Identification: Bihar lacks a systematic approach to scouting and nurturing talent. Local tournaments and schools can be leveraged to identify athletes and provide them with advanced training.
- Awareness and Career Opportunities: The perception of sports as a secondary career choice needs to change. Parents and communities require awareness programs to understand the potential of sports as a profession.
- Institutional Support: Transparent selection processes and accountable sports associations are vital to instill trust among athletes and their families.
Roadmap for Development
- Grassroots Development:
- Establish community sports centers in every district.
- Integrate sports into school curriculums with regular inter-school competitions.
- Capacity Building:
- Train coaches and officials to ensure professional guidance.
- Organize workshops and training camps to equip athletes with modern techniques.
- Financial and Career Support:
- Provide scholarships and stipends for young athletes.
- Partner with private organizations to fund training programs and sports events.
- Sports Tourism and Events:
- Host state and national-level tournaments to increase visibility and attract investments.
- Develop Rajgir as a hub for sports tourism, capitalizing on its world-class infrastructure.
- Policy Implementation:
- Formulate a comprehensive state sports policy focusing on inclusivity and excellence.
- Monitor and evaluate progress through regular assessments and community feedback.
Conclusion
Bihar’s journey towards building a robust sports culture requires a collaborative effort from the government, private sector, and local communities. With systematic planning, investment, and a commitment to nurturing talent, the state has the potential to emerge as a powerhouse in Indian sports. By aligning its rich cultural heritage with modern sports practices, Bihar can inspire a new generation of athletes to achieve excellence on national and international platforms.