PATNA: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar today said that Bihar's connection with martial art was very old as it had started during Buddha period. "The land of Bihar has a very old connection with martial art as it started during Buddha period. Buddh bhikshuk (monk) had started martial art for their self-defence," Kumar said after inaugurating three-day Sub Junior Judo Championship here.
Many changes took place in the martial art with time and varied form came into being, he said adding strong efforts have been made in Bihar for its development. The Bihar CM said that martial art training has started in schools for girls for their self-defence.
"To help bicycle riding girls meet the change from rowdy elements, the state government decided to arm them with martial art and judo karate," he said. Art and Culture minister Shivchandra Ram and Indian Judo Association chief Mukesh Kumar Sharma were among those present on the occasion. Children in the age group of 10 to 15 from 29 states are participating in the three-day National Judo championship at Patliputra Sports Complex.