Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Wednesday said the State Government was working on a plan to begin a special drive to promote sports as a career.
On the eve of National Sports Day, he said he directed sports infrastructure to be made available in schools and colleges. The process of identification of sports talent is expected to start soon, so training continues along with studies.
Soren said he had no qualms in admitting that the State did not provide adequate support to budding sports talent. “Had it been so, Jharkhand would have been ahead of States like Haryana and Punjab in producing world-class sportsmen. But now, the Government has decided to adopt a transparent policy to develop sports culture,” he added.
“Whoever has performed, did so with their personal efforts and dedication. They got rewards only after they created a niche on their own,” he maintained.
The Chief Minister referred to archer Deepika Kumari and schoolchildren from Ormanjhi who played wonderfully at a Spain football tournament, saying, “There is no dearth of talent; all we have to do is support them.” Soren added, “Parents should not worry as players bringing laurels for the State will get Government jobs. Those who support their wards in pursuing sports as a career will also be felicitated.”