Ranchi/Bokaro: A state-level sports meet was held in Ranchi under the banner of the Jharkhand Sports Society, where discussions on the future of sports and athletes in the state took center stage. On this occasion, Bokaro’s Kabaddi coach Manoj Kumar Sharma was felicitated for his outstanding contribution to the game.
Athletes from across Jharkhand spoke candidly about their struggles, highlighting how despite winning medals at national and international levels, they continue to face neglect in terms of recognition and employment.
They pointed out that in the 24 years since the formation of Jharkhand, only 44 sportspersons have been given jobs, out of which 39 appointments were made during Hemant Soren’s government in 2021. Many talented players, they lamented, are still forced to sell vegetables, run food carts, or manage small shops to survive.
The program saw the presence of Congress state in-charge K. Raj, state president Keshav Mahato Kamlesh, former sports minister Bandhu Tirki, and JSCA chairman Ajaynath Shahdev. The leaders assured the athletes that their grievances had been heard seriously and promised concrete steps for the upliftment of sports and players in the future.
