Kolkata, 20 May (H.S.) : Major changes are being introduced in the sports sector in West Bengal following the change in government, with the state administration announcing a series of initiatives aimed at promoting sporting talent and strengthening infrastructure across the state.

State Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik on Tuesday announced that athletes winning medals at the Olympics will now receive substantially higher cash rewards from the state government. Addressing reporters at his office, the minister said Olympic gold medal winners would be awarded Rs 8 crore, a sharp increase from the earlier amount of Rs 25 lakh. Silver medal winners will receive Rs 6 crore, while bronze medalists will be given Rs 4 crore.

The minister further stated that prize money for winners at the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games and World Championships would also be increased significantly. He added that the process of providing government jobs to sportspersons would be strengthened to ensure better support for athletes representing the state and the country.

As part of a broader plan to identify and nurture talent from different districts, the government will organize district-level sports festivals, with the final rounds likely to be held in Kolkata. Suggestions from organizations such as Sports Authority of India and Khelo India will also be incorporated into the planning process. A proposal is also being prepared to form an advisory committee within the sports department for better coordination and implementation of sports policies.

In another major development, the state government has decided to upgrade Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in line with international standards. An Olympic-level athletics track is planned at the venue, which was previously used for Indian Super League matches but currently sees limited use.

The government has also decided to remove a controversial statue located outside Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan. Responsibility for the removal has been handed over to the Public Works Department. According to the government, the site may later feature a statue of a renowned footballer from the state.

The state administration believes that these measures will strengthen West Bengal’s sporting ecosystem and provide young athletes with improved opportunities to compete at the international level.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh