Patna, July 24 -- Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Friday distributed appointment letters to 19 athletes under the state government's 'Medal Lao Naukri Pao' policy, saying the initiative would encourage sportspersons by rewarding international and national achievements with direct government employment.

Addressing a function at the Urja Auditorium in Patna, CM Choudhary said the scheme marked a significant shift in how sporting excellence is recognised in the state.

"This is a unique day for Bihar. Under the 'Medal Lao Naukri Pao' policy, about 19 sportspersons are being given appointment letters. People used to say that if you study, you would go ahead and get government jobs. But this is the first initiative wherein the Bihar ...