Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary presented appointment letters to 19 athletes under the state government’s ‘Medal Lao Naukri Pao’ scheme on July 24, aimed at rewarding international and national sporting achievements with direct government employment.
Speaking at a function held at Urja Auditorium in Patna, CM Choudhary described the initiative as a significant change in recognising sporting excellence in Bihar.
“This is a unique day for Bihar. Under the ‘Medal Lao Naukri Pao’ policy, about 19 sportspersons are being given appointment letters. People used to say that if you study, you would go ahead and get government jobs. But this is the first initiative wherein the Bihar Government is giving a DSP post to a sportsperson without them writing the exam. This will be a source of inspiration for sportspersons. They are becoming Sub Inspectors and DSPs. Earlier, peon positions were given in 4th grade and 3rd grade. Whichever Bihari plays for the country and restores the pride of the country, the Bihar Govt would stand with them,” he said.
In addition to appointment letters, Choudhary handed over sports scholarship selection letters to athletes who have performed well at national and international competitions.
Following the event, Choudhary stated on social media that the state government is dedicated to identifying sporting talent at the grassroots level and developing world-class infrastructure to enable athletes to compete successfully at events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cup and IPL.
The Bihar State Sports Authority explained that the ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ initiative grants direct government employment to athletes who win medals at national and international events. Exceptional sportspersons are appointed to Class-I and other senior government posts, including Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Sub-Inspector and Panchayati Raj Officer, without requiring standard competitive examinations.
The policy has also benefited Indian cricketers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, who were appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police in Bihar after representing the Indian men’s cricket team.
Bihar Sports Minister and former India shooter Shreyasi Singh called the occasion a milestone for the state’s sporting framework.
“This is a golden moment in Bihar’s journey from zero to the top. Athletes from Bihar are being honoured with scholarships and even jobs today, ensuring their future is secure. While infrastructure is expanding, with the ground-breaking schemes like Eklavya and Mashaal, we are also promoting amateur athletes. It seems the dream of the 2036 Olympic Games could become a reality for Bihar,” Singh said.
The Bihar government has indicated plans to expand sports infrastructure statewide while enhancing pathways for talented athletes through scholarships, employment opportunities and grassroots development programmes.
