Bihar Inducts Cricketers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as DSPs Under Sports Scheme

State Incentives for Elite Athletic Performance

In a move to integrate sporting success with administrative service, the Bihar government officially appointed Indian fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySP) on Friday, July 24, 2026. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary presided over the ceremony at the Urja Auditorium in Patna, where 19 athletes received appointment letters under the state's Medal Lao, Naukri Pao (Win a Medal, Get a Job) initiative.

The policy aims to provide national and international medalists with high-ranking government roles, including positions as Sub-Inspectors and Panchayati Raj Officers. By offering direct entry into the civil service, the administration seeks to grant athletes long-term financial security and professional dignity. Highlighting the weight of these appointments, Chief Minister Choudhary noted that this marks the first instance of athletes being elevated to the rank of DSP in Bihar.

Infrastructure Development and Grassroots Scouting

Beyond employment, the state is overhauling its athletic framework. The Sports Department announced a talent scouting campaign at the panchayat level, set to launch on September 15. This program targets rural areas to ensure skilled individuals receive systematic training regardless of their geographic location. Major infrastructure projects are also underway to support this transition:

• The Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna is undergoing redevelopment to reach a 40,000-seat capacity.
• The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has been tasked with the operation and maintenance of the facility.
• New training centers will provide modern amenities to prepare local athletes for the Olympics, Asian Games, and the IPL.

Strategic Shift in Sports Policy

Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh emphasized that these appointments are intended to shift the perception of sports from a hobby to a viable career. By removing resource barriers and future uncertainty, the government hopes to position Bihar as a premier hub for athletic excellence. The incentive structure currently includes performance-based cash awards alongside guaranteed government career paths. The sports department maintains that such initiatives will drive young citizens toward competitive athletics while securing the state's representation on the global stage.

Source: The Hindu — Cricket