Sports in Bihar

Sports in Bihar are administered by state bodies, associations, and local organisations. In recent years, the Government of Bihar has expanded infrastructure and training programmes to support athlete development and sporting activities. ^{[1] [2]}

Governing bodies

The main governing organisation is the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), established in 2023 under the Government of Bihar. It manages sports infrastructure, training programmes, and athlete welfare. BSSA conducts the Bihar Khel Pratibha Khoj talent hunt across schools and prepares athletes for future international events. ^[3]

Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) – Governing body for cricket in Bihar, affiliated to the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Other State Associations – Football, Athletics, Hockey, Volleyball, Rugby and Karate are managed by their respective state federations affiliated to national bodies.

Infrastructure

• Patliputra Sports Complex (Patna) – Major multi-sport venue with a 20,000-seat outdoor stadium and a 3,500-seat indoor arena. It hosted the 2012 Women’s World Cup Kabaddi and Pro Kabaddi League matches. ^[4]

• Rajgir Sports Complex – Inaugurated in 2024, spread over 90 acres with a cricket stadium, sports university, hospital, and training centres. ^[5]

• Moin-ul-Haq Stadium (Patna) – Being redeveloped into a 40,000+ capacity cricket stadium with international facilities.

• Over 8,000 village playgrounds and more than 250 block-level stadiums are being developed to strengthen grassroots sports. ^[1]

Major sports

Cricket is the most popular sport, with the Bihar cricket team competing in Indian domestic tournaments. Athletics, archery, and martial arts (especially karate) have strong grassroots participation. Hockey, football, swimming, and rugby are also gaining prominence.

Major events hosted

• 2025 Khelo India Youth Games , held across Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai, featured 8,500 athletes in 28 sports. ^[6]
• 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup was hosted at Rajgir Sports Complex, marking the first time Bihar staged an international hockey tournament. ^[7]
• Bihar also hosted its first Asia-level rugby event in Rajgir. ^[8]

Notable athletes

• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi , youngest-ever player in the Indian Premier League. ^[9]
• Shreyasi Singh , Commonwealth Games gold medallist shooter, advocates for greater women’s participation in sports. ^[10]
• Rugby players Sweety Chaudhary and Sweta Shahi represented India in international competitions. ^[1]
• Md Zabir Ansari, Karate player.

See also

• Bihar State Sports Authority
• Patliputra Sports Complex
• Moin-ul-Haq Stadium
• 2025 Khelo India Youth Games

References

1. "Sports in Bihar: Little infra but high spirit". The Times of India. 14 October 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
2. Bhelari, Amit (2025-04-27). "Bihar's new bounce". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2025-08-29.
3. "CM unveils trophy, mascot for Men's Hockey Asia Cup". The Times of India. 10 May 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
4. "Renovated multipurpose hall at Patliputra Sports Complex Pro Kabaddi League venue". The Times of India. 15 December 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
5. "Once known for caste wars, Bihar now hogs limelight for sports battles". The Times of India. 1 March 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
6. "PM Narendra Modi lauds Bihar's sports push as Khelo India Youth Games draws big crowds". The Times of India. 5 March 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
7. "CM unveils trophy, mascot for Men's Hockey Asia Cup". The Times of India. 10 May 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
8. "Rugby India match: Rajgir will create history again". Navbharat Times. 20 April 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
9. "IPL youngest ever player Vaibhav Suryavanshi". The Times. 7 April 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.
10. "Participation of women in sports in Bihar is a sign of the progress of state: Shreyasi Singh". Navbharat Times. 15 March 2025. Retrieved 29 August 2025.