Jharkhand Sets Pace in Nurturing Athletes and Hosting Championships
Chief Minister Hemant Soren ushers in a new era for sports and athletes in Jharkhand, from grassroots initiatives to international hosting capabilities, fulfilling the promise of a golden tomorrow for sports.
RANCHI – For the first time in the Asian continent, Jharkhand is hosting the Women’s Asian Hockey Champion Trophy.
The event in Ranchi has attracted leading teams from Asia and precedes the successful National Junior Hockey Competition held in Simdega.
Former players are being honored with pension provisions, highlighting the government’s sensitivity toward those who have contributed to Jharkhand’s pride. This policy initiative adds a feather in the cap of a government keen on valuing its sports heroes.
Honorariums for outstanding players and coaches have seen a significant rise. A revision in the cash award rules has been implemented, raising the prize money for national, international, and Olympic medalists. Under the latest Sports Policy – 2022, a gold medalist at the Olympics now stands to gain Rs 5 crore, up from the earlier Rs 2 crore.
The state government has been investing in physical infrastructure as well. Stadiums and sports grounds are being constructed at various administrative levels, including panchayats and districts. These will feature indoor complexes and aim to provide every aspiring athlete a chance to showcase their skills.
The government has also increased the daily allowance for food for state athletes to Rs 350 from Rs 175. The move aims to ensure optimal physical fitness for better performance. Sports centers are being revamped to provide quality accommodation and high-end sports kits are being distributed to players.
Sports promotion efforts are trickling down to the school level with the introduction of Games Jharkhand.
The initiative targets the grooming of young talents across the state.
Parallelly, the Sahay Scheme aims to use sports as a vehicle for social cohesion in Naxal-affected areas, a move that has already engaged 75,000 players in its first year.
