Bihar government appoints cricketers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar as DSPs

Indian cricket team’s fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar on Friday (July 24, 2026) have been directly appointed as Deputy Superintendents of Police (Dy SPs) in recognition of their outstanding sporting achievements. Several other National and International athletes got government jobs under “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” scheme in Bihar.

Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary handed over the appointment letter during a programme at the Urja Auditorium in Patna, organised by the Sports Department. He handed over the appointment letters to a total of 19 athletes, including international-level players like Mr. Deep and Mr. Kumar.

Bihar CM asserted that it is a matter of pride for Bihar that, for the first time, an athlete has been appointed to a high-ranking position like DSP. He added that this will boost the morale of the State’s young athletes and further motivate them to excel in sports.

Mr. Choudhary said that the State government is placing special emphasis on athlete training, modern sports facilities, and the development of sports infrastructure. He announced that a campaign to identify and scout sports talent at the panchayat level would commence on September 15. Selected talents will be provided with systematic training, ensuring that athletes from rural areas also have equal opportunities to show their skills, he added.

The Chief Minister stated that work is progressing rapidly on several key projects to develop world-class sports infrastructure in Bihar.

“The Moin-ul-Haq Stadium in Patna is being redeveloped, and the responsibility for its operation has been entrusted to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). With a seating capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators, the stadium will be equipped with world-class amenities and capable of hosting national and international competitions,”Mr. Choudhary said.

The Chief Minister expressed confidence that in the coming years, athletes from Bihar would bring glory to the State and the country on prestigious platforms like the Olympics, Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Cups, and the IPL.

The primary objective of the “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” (Win a Medal, Get a Job) scheme is to provide medal-winning athletes at the national and international levels with opportunities in government service that reflect their achievements.

Under the scheme, athletes are being directly appointed to posts such as Dy SPs, Sub-Inspectors, Panchayati Raj Officers and other suitable government positions, ensuring both financial security and social recognition.

Performance-based cash incentives and awards are also being provided to the athletes. An official of the Sports Department said that getting a government job has boosted the morale of athletes and inspired young people across the state to consider sports as a viable career option.

“The Bihar government is committed to ensuring that no talented athlete in the State is held back due to a lack of resources or concerns about the future. The ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ scheme lays a strong foundation for dignity besides securing the future of our athletes. Our goal is to establish Bihar as one of the country’s leading sporting states,” Bihar’s Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh said.