India fast bowler Mukesh Kumar was on Friday appointed as a deputy superintendent of police (DSP) by the Bihar government under its ‘Medal Lao Naukri Pao’ policy. He said the initiative would encourage athletes across the state to work harder.Mukesh received his appointment letter from Bihar chief minister Samrat Choudhary in Patna. India pacer Akash Deep was also appointed as a DSP under the same sports recruitment scheme.Speaking after the ceremony, Mukesh welcomed the policy and said it would motivate young athletes to pursue their sporting careers.“I, along with all the Biharis, are very happy with this. This will encourage all the athletes who are working hard. Work hard and stay positive,” he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.The 32-year-old right-arm fast bowler from Gopalganj has represented India in all three formats of international cricket. He also plays for Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and Bengal in domestic cricket.Mukesh made his Test, ODI and T20I debuts during India’s tour of the West Indies in 2023, becoming one of the few Indian cricketers to debut in all three formats within a span of two weeks.He has also been an important member of the Delhi Capitals pace attack. Bought for Rs 5.50 crore ahead of IPL 2023, Mukesh finished as the franchise’s joint-highest wicket-taker in the 2024 season with 17 wickets. Delhi Capitals later retained him through the Right to Match (RTM) card for Rs 8 crore at the IPL mega auction.According to the Bihar State Sports Authority, the ‘Medal Lao, Naukri Pao’ policy offers direct government jobs to athletes who win medals at national and international competitions. Under the scheme, medal-winning sportspersons are appointed to posts such as Deputy Superintendent of Police, Sub-Inspector and Panchayati Raj Officer without appearing for regular competitive examinations.Sharing pictures from the event, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary said the state government remained committed to identifying sporting talent, improving sports infrastructure and providing athletes with opportunities to succeed while bringing laurels to Bihar and India.