Bihar Shines: Top State for Sports Promotion

Bihar received the prestigious award for Best State for Promotion of Sports at the Sportstar Aces Awards 2026. This accolade celebrates the state's dedicated efforts to foster a thriving sports environment and cultivate future athletic talent.

The state has shown considerable intent over the past year, focusing on infrastructure enhancement, athlete support systems, and hosting significant sporting events. In 2025, Bihar launched several development projects to boost both elite performance and grassroots engagement.

Major infrastructural developments include the Rajgir Sports Complex, featuring a multi-purpose indoor hall, hockey, and cricket stadiums. Patna's sporting nucleus has been reinforced with a new hockey turf and a revamped Patliputra Sports Complex.

Further infrastructure expansion includes upgraded facilities in Bhagalpur, Arrah, Purnia, and Chapra, such as football, badminton, and shooting ranges, alongside new swimming pools and athletics tracks.

Bihar's vision encompasses grassroots development with mini stadiums in Gram Panchayats and Khel Bhawans in every district. Nine Centres of Excellence are being established to identify and nurture emerging talent.

This comprehensive sports development drive is backed by a substantial financial commitment, with ₹600 crore allocated in 2025. Bihar has also successfully hosted major competitions, including the ISTAF Sepak Takraw World Cup and the Men's Hockey Asia Cup.