The Jharkhand government on Wednesday handed over job letters to 39 sportspersons who clinched medals at national and international tournaments in the past but were battling economic issues for years.

The chief minister personally handed over the letters to 27 players at a low-key ceremony at Project Building, Ranchi at noon while the rest, who couldn’t make it on the day, will be provided their appointment letters by the department. All the players have been inducted in the police departmrent as inspectors.

Speaking on the occasion, Hemant assured other players to not feel disheartened stating that such recruitment was just the beginning.

“I am glad to finally give you jobs for your service to the state and the nation on the playing arena but at the same time others, who are pinning hopes on the government, may feel disheartened. I want to assure all players that this government is sensitive towards you and your concerns. Soon, we are coming up with a fool proof plan for overall promotion of sports and players,” he said.

Conceding that the majority of the players made a mark on their own mettle more than government support, he promised to change that in the coming days.

“I often feel sad when I come across news reports of players selling pakora or tea. I had helped many such players even before coming into active politics and have always wanted to do something for you all. Now that I have got the mandate and responsibility, this government will work for your benefits,” he said, adding that it was also for the first time that his government hired district sports officers since the creation of Jharkhand in 2000.

After coming to power, the Hemant Soren government had promised direct employment to players, as a part of which 40 people have so far been formally inducted. On December 29 last year, hockey player Birsi Munda was given a job at a state ceremony.

Earlier during the programme, sports secretary Pooja Singhal said that of the 39 players, 27 would receive their letters at the function. “Of the total players, 17 are women and 10 are men. All are inducted in the police department (home) on the post of inspectors,” she said.

Ram Kumar Bhatt, a noted cyclist of Dhanbad, looked relieved after getting his job letter. “Other governments made several promises but to no avail. Because of lack of proper support and poverty, I had to work as a watchman for years to run my family and pursue my sport. I am happy today that I will work with dignity.”