Patna, 22 June 2024: International shooter Shreyasi Singh from Bihar has joined the 21-member Indian shooting team selected for the Paris Olympics 2024, which begins in July. She has made history as the first athlete from Bihar to compete in the Olympics.
In a press conference held at the Patliputra Sports Complex on the theme “Bihar in Olympics,” Director General cum Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar State Sports Authority, Raveendran Sankaran, shared this announcement.
Shreyasi expressed her gratitude, stating, “It is every player’s dream to represent their country in the Olympics. Throughout my 17-year sports career, I have always aspired to this day. Today, Bihar’s participation in the Olympics is a reality, and it brings immense happiness and pride. I will strive to meet the expectations of millions of Biharis and fellow Indians by winning a medal at the Olympics.”
She acknowledged the Bihar government’s support, emphasizing the rapid development of sports infrastructure under the new sports policy and the increasing enthusiasm for sports in the state. She also revealed plans for an international-level shooting range in Bihar.
Sankaran highlighted the significance of Shreyasi’s selection, noting the boost in morale and enthusiasm among Bihar’s athletes. He mentioned that while the initial goal was for Bihar to participate in the 2028 Olympics, Shreyasi achieved this milestone in 2024. She will train with an international coach in Italy, with the Bihar government funding her training, accommodation, and travel expenses amounting to Rs 12.5 lakh.
Additionally, Shreyasi is eligible for a Rs 25 lakh scholarship under the Utkarsh Yojana, part of Bihar’s new sports scholarship policy. A BJP MLA from Jamui since 2020, Shreyasi is likely the first elected public representative in the country to compete in the Olympics.
Shreyasi has previously brought pride to Bihar and India by winning a silver medal in the double trap shooting event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, a bronze medal in the 2014 Asian Games double trap team event, and a gold medal in the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
The program began with Raveendran Sankaran and Indian Women’s Hockey Team Chief Coach Harendra Singh, originally from Bihar, honoring Shreyasi with a memento and a bouquet on behalf of the Sports Authority and the Sports Department.
