Patna: When Bihar appointed IPS Raveendran Sankaran as Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) in the beginning of 2022, many saw it as a punishment posting. There were murmurs in state bureaucracy that his career was over.
But for 55-year-old Sankaran, it was a new beginning, a passion project to turn around Bihar’s sporting culture. He decided to work with the underdogs.
Three years later, the state is producing inspiring sporting stories and has risen in the rankings when it comes to medals tally. And Sankaran is responsible for this turnaround. The Tamil IPS officer has adopted Bihar’s players and today he knows more about the state’s sporting history and DNA than any local administrator would. Coming from a family of athletes in the southern state, Sankaran is a man on a mission to change the image of his adopted state. He is flying in good coaches from all over, carefully choosing sports where Bihar can get maximum medals and constantly lobbying with the government to build world class infrastructure.
“I had gone to the chief minister to present my agenda for Bihar’s sports and asked for this post,” Sankaran told ThePrint as he worked in his residential office, finalising the logos for the Khelo India Youth Games to be hosted in Bihar between 4 and 15 may. This will be a first for Bihar.
Sankaran’s eureka moment came after he read the book The Talent Lab: How to Turn Potential into World-Beating Success. Owen Slot’s work chronicles how the UK transformed its approach to sports and achieved remarkable success on the global stage.
“The book left me thinking how I could replicate such success in Bihar,” said Sankaran.
When the Coimbatore raised Sankaran tells people he wants to revive Bihar’s sports legacy, he is often met with disbelief and questioned ‘Which legacy?’ That’s when he tells a story he has now repeated a number of times.
“The Olympic movement was started in Bihar by Moin-ul-Haq who also served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association, and under the leadership of industrialist J.R.D. Tata. Many may have forgotten that Bihar was the office for almost a decade for the Indian Olympic Association,” said Sankaran, sitting in his Patliputra Sports Complex office.
His office is spacious, and offers a sense of achievement. A corner is dedicated to a bundle of sports kits, intended as gifts for the visitors such as coaches, players, and volunteers. Behind his chair at the desk stands a proud display— a stack of medals, representing Bihar’s individual and team victories. Sankaran has a commanding presence with his tall and well-built physique and yet he appears accessible. He used to maintain a routine of jogging, walking, cycling, and golf until 2024 when he developed a spinal issue. The health condition requires him to pursue gentle actives such as walking and golf.
“Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is achieved.” The words of Swami Vivekananda has stayed with him since his school days, he said.
The Olympic movement was started in Bihar by Moin-ul-Haq who also served as Secretary General of the Indian Olympic Association, and under the leadership of industrialist J.R.D. Tata. Many may have forgotten that Bihar was the office for almost a decade for the Indian Olympic Association.
Raveendran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority
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Shame to fame
During the 2002 National Games opening ceremony held in Hyderabad, Bihar’s athletes marched without sports shoes or uniforms. Some wore slippers, others were even barefoot. President APJ Abdul Kalam, the chief guest at the ceremony, rose to take a look at the Bihar contingent.
“Bihar on slippers”, “Bihar shamed athletes” “Yet another humiliation for a medal drought state” were the headlines the next day,” said Sankaran. In those games, Bihar won a single medal—a silver in discuss throw. However, six months later, the medal was upgraded to gold after the original gold medalist tested positive for doping.
Cut to 2025. At the recently concluded National Games in Uttarakhand, Bihar won won 12 medals (1 gold, 6 silver, and 5 bronze). The medal in women’s triple lawn bowls event was Bihar’s first at the National Games in 25 years.
The significant rise in Bihar’s medal tally at the national level is a result of the efforts of Sankaran and his 60-member team at BSSA. This includes the establishment of elite sports infrastructure, such as the one in Rajgir, schemes like “Medal Lao, Naukari Pao,” and the opening of 38 Ekalavya Sports Schools.
Sankaran is focusing on four key pillars—talent identification, nurturing, scouting, and systematic support.
According to Sankaran, people in Bihar tend to take bureaucrats from southern states more seriously compared to home cadre officers, who often face intense scrutiny. He said that he adapted seamlessly, learning Hindi and embracing cultural nuances.
When the IPS presented Bihar’s sports policy before a gathering of policymakers, administrators, and experts at the two-day Chintan Shivir in Telangana on 7 and 8 March, chaired by Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, everyone took notice.
Four of his suggestions even made it to the union minister’s concluding remarks. The stakeholders had gathered to strategise for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and India’s bold bid to host the 2036 Summer Games.
Sankaran’s suggestions included introducing game-swapping to transition from team games to individual sports (athletics, swimming, boxing, archery, shooting, fencing, weightlifting, cycling, wrestling), leveraging MGNREGA for grassroots sports infrastructure development, and highlighting the critical role of human eye in talent scouting rather than relying solely on biomechanics or AI tools.
Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach of the Indian badminton team, endorsed Sankaran’s approach.
Rugby, a quintessential English sport, is transforming hundreds of lives among Bihar’s poorest families. In recent years, the state’s men’s and women’s teams have achieved outstanding success, winning dozens of medals.
“While most states often prioritise the traditional or organic games, Sankaran’s focus on medal-winning individual sports sets him apart. His scientific approach to sports is certainly the right track,” he said.
Rugby, a quintessential English sport, is transforming hundreds of lives among Bihar’s poorest families. In recent years, the state’s men’s and women’s teams have achieved outstanding success, winning dozens of medals. Bihar has now become the standard bearer for rugby in India, with international coaches being invited for training. In 2022, the state not only hosted the National Rugby Championship but also saw its young female players clinch gold medals in two categories.
Gerald Prabhu, Secretary of Rugby India, highlighted the importance of medals in sparking interest among the masses.
“Medals bring recognition, and recognition ignites interest,” he said, adding this was one if the first steps in transforming a state’s sporting future.
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The change
Sankaran’s calendar for the year 2025 is packed. The state recently hosted the Sepak Takraw World Cup in which India won seven medals. The occasion was celebrated by sports minister Manukh Mandaviya on X. Soon, Bihar will roll out the red carpet for a series of prestigious national and international tournaments — Khelo India Youth Games, Khelo India Para Games, Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025, Asian Rugby Championship for Boys and Girls, and Men’s Hockey Asia Cup.
When Sankaran took over the role of DG, BSSA, he found himself, like his predecessors, working out of a dilapidated office at the Moin-ul-Haq Stadium. Today, the authority has its own office in the Pataliputra sports complex, in the heart of Patna.
Sankaran, the 17th IPS officer to take up this post, has spent most of his career cracking down on criminals. But the last three years, has been very different. It’s all been about reform and instilling pride.
“If I were to compare my 27 years in police service and three years as DG of BSSA…there I was doing my duty and here it doesn’t feel like work,” he said, adding that he goes home with a deeply content heart, witnessing instant changes in many lives.
“When we brought the girls from the villages to play rugby, they were too shy to wear shorts. But seeing them later, dressed in suits and boots, getting felicitated by the CM, the confidence on their faces brought tears of joy,” said Sankaran. The IPS often refers to them as his daughters, which becomes the point of protests from his two daughters.
His wife, IPS R. Malarvizhi said, they both come from humble backgrounds and understand the value of dreaming big. The couple met for the first time in Hyderabad Police Academy and have been married for 28 years.
“He was always the sportsperson, while I was quite the opposite,” she reflected. She also added that he was equally dedicated to his policing career, but now he’s on a different journey. “His humility is what makes him a father figure for the children of Bihar.”
Sankaran has played a crucial role in the state’s sports budget, which has leapt from Rs 30 crore in 2022 to Rs 680 crore in 2024. In January 2024, the state created a standalone Sports Department, separating it from Art and Culture Department. In 2023 alone, 71 players were recruited for government jobs— including the rugby girls— who are currently under police training in Rajgir.
One after another, he introduced policies to institutionalise the changes he was trying to introduce—such as Bihar’s sports recruitment policy, scholarship programs, and the establishment of panchayat-level sports clubs.
Bihar’s sports scholarship programme provides annual grants of Rs three lakh to 500 athletes, Rs five lakh to 200 athletes, and Rs 20 lakh to 25 athletes.
“We are also setting up a 100-acre sports city at the outskirts of Patna,” Sankaran said.
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The sports ambassador of 1995 IPS batch
Sports is in Sankaran’s blood. He was raised in a wrestling family in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. His father, S. Chinana—a coach himself—had dreamt of him becoming an Olympian.
“My grandfather ran an akhada in Gandhi park in the city. All my uncles were also wrestlers. My father was a national athlete in the 400-metre race,” Sankaran said.
Sankaran’s fascination with civil services started during a Republic Day parade his father took him to.
“That day, I asked my father who the person was that everyone saluted and feared at the same time. My father replied, “He is an SP (Superintendent of Police),” Sankaran recalled fondly. The IPS a diehard Rajinikanth fan too. The superstar played the cop in many films, inspiring countless youths to join the forces.
“I was not studious. It took me four attempts at the UPSC exam to finally succeed.”
If I were to compare my 27 years in police service and three years as DG of BSSA…there I was doing my duty and here it doesn’t feel like work.
Raveendran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority
Sankaran studied physics in graduation and pursued post-gradation in social work from PSG college, Coimbatore.
His father’s commitment to sports was so profound that he missed his son’s passing-out parade as an officer while he was busy as a coach.
“For a long time, I was upset with him for not being there for that moment. But now, when I think of it, I understand how deeply he wanted me to become an Olympian. I will fulfil his dream through the children of Bihar,” he said.
Sankaran’s batchmates remember him taking part in all sorts of athletic activities, until he injured his leg.
“He is the sports ambassador of our batch,” said Davidson Devasirvatham, Sankaran’s batchmate. Devasirvatham is serving as the Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) in Tamil Nadu. Though Davidson met Sankaran for the first time in Hyderabad Police Academy, he had been coached by Sankaran’s father in one of the Sainik Schools he attended.
“His father was an illustrious coach,” Davidson said, adding that Sankaran’s passion for sports was evident.
He vividly recounted an instance during a triple jump event where Sankaran advised him on a critical point to launch forward with precision to maximise the fall.
“I followed his advice and won the first prize. Sankaran used to fine tune everyone on the field,” he added. The batch recently met for their 30th reunion. “Sankaran’s efforts made the loudest noise. It’s heartening to see him creating such an impact in Bihar,” Davidson remarked.
When he was allocated the cadre in 1997 as ASP (probationer), he was taken aback.
“Back in those days, Bihar was perceived as a challenging cadre—law and order, Naxals and backwardness,” Davidson told ThePrint.
Sankaran remembered watching the film Mrityudand by Prakash Jha, soon after he was posted to the Bihar cadre. The move painted a dark picture of the struggles in Bihar.
“Bihar has progressed in every way since then,” Sankaran assured.
Players from Bihar, who train at Gopichand’s academy often highlight how accessible Sanakaran is to them—a quality that is crucial in the world of sports.
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Long term vision
During one of his visits to Bihar, Gopichand witnessed firsthand the fruits of sustained support and scholarship Sankaran has brought in the state—what it can do to talent buried under the weight of poverty and marginalization.
The former India shuttler saw 60 hoardings featuring athletes from some of the poorest backgrounds proudly displayed across the region. Gopichand was on a talent scouting visit of rural Bihar. “For any child walking past those billboards, it’s a beacon of hope—they can dream of achieving that too,” he said. He credited Bihar’s policy of providing jobs to athletes as a crucial safety net and a step in the right direction.
Any sports authority head’s responsibilities extend beyond the police framework— he/she must also navigate the complexities of over 30 sports federations, address cases of sexual harassment involving players, and tackle corruption issues that plague the sporting system—not just in Bihar, but across the country.
“I have always believed that the only shield for an officer is his integrity, and I work tirelessly to protect it,” said Sankaran.
He shared that he had taken decisive action in three sexual harassment cases, leading to FIRs and the arrests of three coaches, one of whom was from his own office.
“As for the associations, I think for the first time, we all are on the same page,” he acknowledged, appreciating the collaborative efforts and coordination he has been receiving across various power corridors.
Gopichand lauded the efforts of Sanakaran, whom he has known for the past five years. He called the IPS officer to have a progressive mindset.
Players from Bihar, who train at Gopichand’s academy often highlight how accessible Sanakaran is to them—a quality that is crucial in the world of sports.
The badminton coach emphasised that a thriving sports ecosystem is built on the pillars of education, skills, and jobs—an approach that Bihar seems to be doing correctly.
Reflecting on the state’s progress, he said, “Bihar has performed well, if not exceptionally, over the last three years, and their performance at the national level has been commendable.”
Beauty Kumari, a 21-year-old international rugby player from Nalanda, found herself entangled in politics within the association, causing her to miss the trials for the 2022 National Games in Gujarat at district level.
“There were internal politics in Nalanda, leading to the formation of two teams. While one went for trials, the other was left uninformed. I became a victim of the association’s politics,” she recalled.
Beauty, along with several other rugby players, is currently undergoing training as a ‘daroga’ in the Bihar Police Academy, Rajgir.
She knew exactly where to make that final call to get her case heard. She sought the intervention of Sankaran, the DG.
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From shame to pride
Two decades after Bihar’s head hanged in shame at the 2002 national games opening ceremony, athletics coach Nirmal Kumar still remembers the day. Kumar and his player Pammi Kumari had refused to participate without sports shoes.
“We were told that the kit is being arranged. But it was never arranged. We felt ashamed, angered,” recalled Nirmal Kumar, reliving his anger on that day.
At the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, Nirmal Kumar returned—not as a coach for Bihar, but as a technical officer nominated by the Athletics Federation of India.
Kumar, now working as a private coach in a local school, couldn’t help but notice the transformation. The Bihar contingent, led by Shreyasi Singh—an accomplished shooter and BJP MLA—marched proudly, carrying Bihar’s Olympic association flag. The athletes walking behind her, were dressed in orange jerseys paired with light grey hoodies, and along with branded sports shoes.
Before any national game, month-long camps are organised within the state, bringing all the players together to train, bond, and travel as a team. Visas are arranged within 24 hours for players representing internationally.
The sports kits were supplied by a renowned brand that also outfitted Indian teams for the Paris Olympics.
“The kit we got for our players was from Shiv Naresh,” Sankaran confirmed.
Nirmal Kumar highlighted that the sports kit was more than just a gear—it symbolised the transformation Bihar had undergone. The kit included jerseys, tracksuits, caps, hoodies, backpacks, and more.
After the march past, as the athletes settled, their branded kits quickly became the envy of other teams.
In 2002, even Chandra Babu Naidu, then Andhra Pradesh’s chief minister, had remarked during his speech, “This is Bihar.”
“Juta dene se kya medal tally badh jata? (Would providing shoes increase the medal tally?), then state sports secretary R.S. Tiwary had asked.
Athletes like Pammi Kumari had to travel on unconfirmed train tickets, sometimes even resorting to sleeping near toilets during their journeys.
“We have changed this,” Sankaran said with conviction.
Before any national game, month-long camps are organised within the state, bringing all the players together to train, bond, and travel as a team. Visas are arranged within 24 hours for players representing internationally.
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Sports power
In 2012, Raveendran Sankaran worked as organising secretary for the All India Police Games (Volleyball Cluster) which were held for the first time ever. He was serving as Deputy Inspector-General (Human Rights). Since then, the games have evolved into an annual event, now known as the Bihar Police Games.
Coaches cite from his previous posting as an officer deeply engaged in sports. Many believe his direct connection with athletes is proving to be effective, while others point to his accessibility as a key factor.
“Whatever it is, it’s benefiting everyone,” remarked Pankaj Kumar, a sepak takraw coach.
Gerald Prabhu, the Secretary of Rugby India, recalled meeting Sankaran three years ago, during which the IPS posed a transformative question— “How can Bihar become a sporting state?”
Gerald remembered Sankaran’s resolve when he volunteered to host the rugby nationals in Bihar.
“They competed in under-18 and senior categories and bagged their first gold medal—it was their first taste of success,” said Gerald.
He also admired Sankaran’s vision to build robust institutions and establish a lasting legacy for sports in Bihar.
“His sports schools, like Ekalavyas, along with talent scouting and identification programs, are far ahead of what other states are doing. These initiatives are shaping the foundation of a grassroots sports culture.”
Sankaran’s strategy is unorthodox yet effective. “They’re not chasing popular games; they’re focusing on sports that bring results,” he said.
Gerald highlighted an impressive feat—over 20 rugby players from Bihar are now serving as Darogas (police officers).
“It’s not just about prize money; it’s the dignity and security of the jobs they represent.”
In his first visit to Bihar’s Patliputra Stadium three years ago, he found it lacking even basic amenities like changing rooms and proper pitches.
“Now, look at Rajgir and the revamped Patliputra Sports Complex, they are hosting national and international tournaments,” he said.
When Gerald travels abroad and tells people that Bihar dominates rugby in India, they’re always shocked.
“Bihar’s athletes are hungry, determined to change the way the world sees it, and sports is helping. At tournaments, players proudly embrace their Bihari identity.”
In the last few years, Bihar’s rugby teams, both women and men, have achieved remarkable success, bagging 21 gold medals, along with five silver and three bronze medals.
According to Gerald, Sankaran’s unique approach to talent scouting isn’t solely reliant on biomechanics or physical measurements such as height or stamina. Instead, he ventures into rural Bihar with a human eye.
“What a human eye can see in a young boy or girl, no tool can see that,” said Sankaran. And results in Sepak Takraw, fencing and rugby shows that.
“Everyone gets a chance, and that fuels competitiveness,” said Gerald, highlighting that no one takes Bihar lightly anymore. “Bihar’s rugby girls are ruthless and resilient on the field. One must see them play. They are here to win.”
Pullela Gopichand acknowledged that there is still much work to be done. “They’ve made good strides and are progressing steadily,” he concluded.
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Target 2047
Sankaran still has three years until retirement and an additional three years in Bihar, as his wife, three years junior to him in the IPS, continues her service.
“I’m not leaving Bihar anytime soon. I’ve submitted a long-term vision for the state—to transform it into India’s leading sporting powerhouse by 2047,” he said.
In his vision document, he aims to increase the state’s contribution to the national medal tally by an ambitious 200 per cent by 2030.
Increasing Bihar’s medal tally by 200 per cent by 2030; a State Institute of Sports dedicated to training and producing elite coaches; creation of three sports science centres in Patna, Rajgir, and Bhagalpur to focus on biomechanics; introducing video analytics; AI-driven performance evaluation and 10 model residential schools across Bihar—Sankaran’s vision for Bihar is bold.
Launching the Bihar Youth Games as a platform for grassroots competition, and hiring 10 international coaches for elite training programs, is also one of the long-term visions.
“The ultimate goal includes hosting prestigious events like the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, and having 15-20 athletes from Bihar qualify for the 2036 Olympics,” he said.
(Edited by Anurag Chaubey)