Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary Appoints Indian Cricketers Akash Deep, Mukesh Kumar as DSPs

Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary awarded Indian fast bowlers Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar appointments as Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs) on July 24, 2026, during a ceremony at Patna’s Urja Auditorium. This marks the first time cricketers have received such high-ranking police positions in Bihar. Alongside them, 17 other medal-winning athletes received government job letters under the state’s ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ scheme. The government has now appointed 106 athletes to various government posts in 2026.

Cricketers Appointed to Police Rank

Akash Deep and Mukesh Kumar, both international cricket players for India’s Test team, received DSP appointment letters from CM Samrat Choudhary on July 24. Akash Deep has played 10 Test matches for India, taking 28 wickets. Mukesh Kumar has appeared in 3 Test matches, claiming 7 wickets. The two cricketers touched the Chief Minister’s feet to seek blessings, a moment that went viral on social media. This is the first instance of cricketers being appointed to such senior police positions in Bihar.

Broader Sports Recognition Program

19 athletes received government job appointments on July 24 after winning medals in national and international competitions during 2024-25 and 2025-26. Athletes also received sports scholarships and cash awards. Setu Mishra, who won gold and silver at the Asian Under-23 Athletics Championship 2026 and became Bihar’s first international gold medalist in athletics, received 37.50 lakh rupees in prize money. Mariyam Fatima won 9 lakh rupees for her bronze medal in the Commonwealth Youth Chess Championship 2026 blitz event.

Future Sports Talent Search and IPL Expansion

CM Choudhary announced that talent identification campaigns will begin in all panchayats from September 15, running for six months. The government plans to train identified athletes for national competition. Choudhary also stated that Bihar will have its own IPL team in upcoming auctions. The state has established a Sports University in Nlanda and successfully hosted three world-cup-level tournaments, winning all three.

Scale of Government Investment in Sports

The Bihar government has appointed 106 athletes to various government positions in 2026 alone. The scheme recognizes medal winners across multiple sports disciplines, including cricket, athletics, chess, and para-sports. Five para-athletes also received appointment letters during the July 24 ceremony. The government has constructed 5,000 sports grounds across the state and transferred management of Patna’s Moinul Haq Stadium to the BCCI for redevelopment.

Final Thoughts

Bihar’s ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ scheme demonstrates a clear policy shift toward rewarding athletic excellence with stable government careers. With 106 appointments in 2026 and plans for grassroots talent hunts starting September 15, the state is building infrastructure to develop future champions.

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