The state would soon boast of a sports academy - the first in Bihar as well as in Jharkhand.

The academy is being set up at Chitab Khurd village in Sherghati sub-division, around 30km southwest of Gaya district headquarters.

The academy is the brainchild of Prashant Bhushan - income tax commissioner, Bihar-Jharkhand. Bhushan has provided 12 acres of his paternal property for the academy.

The academy would conduct training for games such as cricket, football, hockey, volleyball and other sports, Bhushan told The Telegraph today. "We would start with cricket because it is popular among youths. The academy is likely to start functioning from Durga Puja this year."

The work to make the academy functional has already begun and at present, the ground is being prepared. It would take at least two to three months to make the ground playable.

There is also proposal to set up a mini-stadium to organise sports events.

He added: "For affiliation, we would approach Sports Authority of India and Netaji Subhas National Institute of Sports, Patiala. Initially, the academy would introduce a diploma course in physical training apart from providing sports training to youths. There would be a hostel for 100 to 125 sportsperson."

On funds, he said: "More than Rs 50 crore is required to build necessary infrastructure. There is lot of funds at district, state and national levels to promote sports. Besides, every private company has to spend two per cent of profit under corporate social responsibility activity. We would tap these resources to develop the academy."

He added: "Our aim is to tap the potential of youths from rural areas. The surrounding area will be also developed. Some senior Ranji players from Bihar have assured full support."

Akhilesh Singh, coordinator of the academy, said: "Sportsperson would be selected in groups like Under-14, Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23. Cricketers, who have played Ranji Trophy matches, would be selected as coaches. For other sports, we would invite experienced players to coach the trainees.The fee for the trainees would be nominal."