Best State for Promotion of Sports honour underlines Bihar’s growing stature

Mumbai Bihar was honoured as the Best State for Promotion of Sports at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026, a recognition of the State’s accelerating efforts to build a vibrant sporting ecosystem and nurture the next generation of athletes.

The award was presented by jury member Aparna Popat and R. Doraiswamy, Managing Director and CEO of Life Insurance Corporation of India. It was received on behalf of the State by Bihar’s Sports Minister and Commonwealth Games gold medallist shooter Shreyasi Singh, along with Raveendran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA).

Over the past year, Bihar has moved with great intent, investing in infrastructure, athlete support systems besides hosting major sporting events. In 2025, the State expanded its sporting footprint through a series of ambitious development projects designed to strengthen both elite performance pathways and grassroots participation.

At the centre of this push is the Rajgir Sports Complex, envisioned as one of the State’s flagship sporting hubs. The facility includes a multi-purpose indoor hall along with dedicated hockey and cricket stadiums. In Patna, a new hockey turf and the extensive revamp of the Patliputra Sports Complex have further reinforced the capital’s role as a sporting nucleus, with upgraded hostels and administrative infrastructure supporting athletes and federations.

Elsewhere, upgrades to the Yamuna Bhagat Football Stadium, the Bhagalpur Indoor Badminton Stadium and the Kalyan Bigha Indoor Shooting Range have expanded the State’s competitive venues. New synthetic athletics tracks in Purnia and Chapra, an Olympic-size swimming pool in Bhagalpur and multi-purpose indoor halls in Bhagalpur and Arrah further broaden the infrastructure landscape.

The State’s vision extends beyond elite sport. Mini stadiums are being developed across Gram Panchayats, while Khel Bhawans have been established in every district to promote grassroots participation. Bihar has also announced nine Centres of Excellence across its commissionerates, aimed at identifying and nurturing emerging talent.

Backing these initiatives is a significant financial commitment. In 2025, Bihar allocated ₹600 crore to sports development, signalling a decisive policy push toward building a sustainable sporting ecosystem.

The State’s growing stature was also reflected in its ability to host major international and national competitions, including the ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup, the Men’s Hockey Asia Cup and the Khelo India Youth Games.