Khelo India: 'He who plays will bloom', Khelo India Games is going to be organized for the first time in Bihar, players are excited:

Khelo India Games: Bihar will host Khelo India Games for the first time and there is tremendous enthusiasm in the state about it. It is being organized from May 4 to May 15. In this event, about 8500 players from all over the country will participate in 27 sports disciplines. Players from Bihar are also participating in all the games through wild card entry. Through this event, the state will present its capabilities and preparations on the big stage of national games for the first time.

Additional Chief Secretary of Sports Department B. Rajendra told ABP News in a special conversation that Bihar is now on the path of revolutionary change in the field of sports. He said that earlier the notion was "If you play and jump, you will be ruined", but now the slogan of the government is "Jo khelaega, wahi khilega". Under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, the government has taken many big steps to promote sports from the Panchayat level to the national stage.

Expansion of sports infrastructure up to Panchayat level

Sports grounds are being constructed in 8053 panchayats of the state and a sports club is being established in every panchayat. Along with this, construction of gymnasiums has also been completed in 25 districts, making sports accessible to villages.

B. Rajendra said that under the 'Mashal Pratibha Khoj Program', talents of children are being identified at the school level. So far, a database of about 15.5 lakh children has been prepared, which will become a strong base for the future. Training and facilities for players from rural areas 27 Eklavya training centers have been established across the state to hone rural talents.

At these centres, players are being given high level training in both studies and sports. Experienced national level coaches are giving training. Along with this, arrangements have also been made for accommodation, food and sports equipment for the players. Accepting the lack of publicity of government schemes, B. Rajender said that now detailed information is being given through websites and digital channels.

Players can register themselves by visiting Eklavya centers in the districts and avail the benefits of government schemes. Bihar is preparing to write a new history in the field of sports infrastructure. A plan has been prepared to build a state-of-the-art sports city in Punpun, Patna. Apart from this, Bihar Sports University will also start courses from June, which has been recognized by UGC. This will give the youth of the state an opportunity to make a career in sports administration as well.

Bring a medal, get a job: Direct message from the government

To encourage the players, the government has made attractive scholarship schemes. Players winning medals at the international level will be given scholarships up to Rs 20 lakh and players performing at the national level will be given scholarships up to Rs 5 lakh. Along with this, players winning medals will also get a chance for a government job. B. Rajendra said that the government stands strongly with every player and is committed to take Bihar sports to new heights.