CONRAD DIAS
Ranchi, Sept 13: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, while launching the new sports policy 2022 on Tuesday, said that the policy aims to provide benefits to not only the players but also their coaches and trainers who play an integral part in the development of a sportsperson.
He added that under the new sports policy, special provisions are made for expenses related to food, lodging and travelling when a sports team from Jharkhand travel to other states for tournaments.
Notably, It is the first time in 15 years that a sports policy has been launched by the state government as the last sports policy was implemented in 2007. The current sports policy is implemented for a period of five years.
The CM added that the policy will also take special care of renowned retired players from Jharkhand and provisions have been made regarding their pensions as well. He said that despite very few resources, the athletes in Jharkhand give tough competition to athletes of other states and the state government’s new policy pays special emphasis on providing basic resources to sportspersons from Jharkhand.
During the program, the CM also felicitated a total of 13 athletes from Jharkhand who brought glory to the state across various sporting events in 2022.
The Chief Minister said that the policy would be amended from time to time as per the need.
“I have also given instructions to the Department of Tourism, Art-Culture, Sports and Youth Affairs in this regard. In the coming time, a provision would be made to give a minimum of Rs 50,000 as assistance to the players by bringing changes in the sports policy,” he said.
He added that the government is seriously considering how the future of the players can be secured after an age limit. The Chief Minister said that there is a need to give more momentum to the stadiums being built in the state. The state government is also contemplating to promote sports activities in schools and an action plan will be prepared for this as well.
Jharkhand Sports Minister Hafizul Hasan said that the sports policy 2022 will provide international recognition to athletes from Jharkhand. He said that children nowadays are more into mobile phones and online games which is not a good sign for the coming generation. The sports department is also setting up stadiums in every block so that children and everyone can play outdoor sports.
He further added the sports policy will also promote different associations to come up with premier league tournaments in order to diversify sports in the state.
