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Bihar has emerged as a vibrant hub for sports in 2025, hosting a series of high-profile tournaments that showcase the state’s growing prowess in both traditional and emerging disciplines. From the Khelo India Youth Games to international events like the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, Bihar’s sports calendar is packed with action, drawing thousands of athletes and global attention. Here’s a look at the latest tournaments lighting up the state.

Khelo India Youth Games 2025: A Grand Showcase

The seventh edition of the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), held from May 4 to May 15, 2025, marked a historic moment for Bihar as it hosted the event for the first time. Over 8,500 young athletes from 36 states and Union Territories competed across 28 sports in five districts: Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur, and Begusarai. The opening ceremony at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Union Sports Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, was a vibrant celebration of India’s sporting spirit, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressing the event via videoconferencing.

• Key Highlights:

  • Esports Debut: Esports made its historic entry as a demonstration event, with Bihar securing multiple top-three finishes in titles like BGMI, Chess, Street Fighter 6, and eFootball. The event, supported by the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) and the Federation of Electronic Sports Associations of India (FEAI), underscored Bihar’s growing influence in this rapidly expanding domain.

  • Sepak Takraw Spotlight: For the first time, Sepak Takraw featured as a medal event, with 18 Bihar players competing across Regu, Doubles, Quad, and Mixed events. Local talents like Aarti Kumari and Sahil Kumar shone, backed by the state’s “Medal Lao Naukri Pao” scheme, which offers government jobs to medal winners.

  • Diverse Disciplines: The games included Olympic sports like archery, volleyball, and athletics, alongside indigenous sports such as mallakhamb, yogasana, and kho kho. Bihar fielded a jumbo squad of around 700 players, with notable performances in volleyball, where West Bengal and Jammu & Kashmir also excelled.

  • Infrastructure Boost: The state-of-the-art facilities at Patliputra Sports Complex and Rajgir’s Bihar Sports University campus, inaugurated on National Sports Day 2024, were pivotal in hosting events like hockey, kabaddi, and judo.

The KIYG 2025 not only highlighted Bihar’s organizational capabilities but also its commitment to nurturing youth talent, with PM Modi emphasizing the role of initiatives like Khelo India in building a robust sports ecosystem.

Women’s Kabaddi World Cup 2025

Bihar solidified its reputation as a kabaddi powerhouse by hosting the Women’s Kabaddi World Cup in 2025. Held at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna, this event followed the success of the 2012 edition, which put the venue on the global map. The tournament featured top international teams, showcasing Bihar’s deep-rooted love for kabaddi and its ability to host world-class events. Chief Secretary Amrit Lal Meena ensured meticulous planning to match the success of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024.

Hero Men’s Asia Cup Hockey 2025

Another marquee event, the Hero Men’s Asia Cup Hockey, took place in Bihar in 2025, further elevating the state’s profile in international sports. Hosted across seven districts, including Patna and Nalanda, the tournament drew elite teams from across Asia. The Rajgir Sports Complex, with its world-class hockey turfs, was a key venue, reflecting Bihar’s investment in modern sports infrastructure.

Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025

Bihar made history by hosting the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) World Cup in Patna earlier in 2025. The Indian men’s team won gold in one event, defeating Japan, a milestone celebrated by PM Modi and Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The event, held at Patliputra Indoor Stadium, highlighted the growing popularity of Sepak Takraw in Bihar, with local players like Aarti Kumari aiming for international glory.

Bihar Cricket Association Tournaments

The Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) has been active in 2025, organizing domestic tournaments like the Senior Men’s Inter-District Tournament. Key matches included semi-finals such as Begusarai vs. Rest of Sahabad Zone and Patna vs. Rest of Central Zone, with live telecasts and scores available online. Bihar’s cricket team also competed in national events like the Senior Women’s One Day Trophy and Cooch Behar Trophy, though results were mixed, with some matches ending in draws or losses.

Bihar State Esports Open Championship

Following its 2023 debut, the Bihar State Esports Open Championship continued to gain traction in 2025. Organized by the BSSA, the multi-title tournament featured BGMI, FIFA 23, Real Cricket 24, and eChess, with grand finals held at Patliputra Sports Complex. The event, which ran from December 7 to 28 in 2023, set a precedent for 2025, with registrations open to Bihar residents and students. The championship reflects Bihar’s push to recognize esports as a legitimate sport, aligning with national trends.

Bihar Sports University and Infrastructure

The Bihar Sports University in Rajgir, inaugurated in August 2024, has been a game-changer, offering training in 24 sports disciplines, including athletics, cricket, and hockey. The university’s campus, which co-exists with the State Sports Academy, features an international cricket stadium, athletics track, and courts for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. In 2025, it opened admissions for programs like PGDSC in Athletics and Cricket, further solidifying Bihar’s commitment to sports education.

Looking Ahead

Bihar’s 2025 sports calendar, including the Under-20 Rugby Sevens Asian Championship and other events across 19 disciplines, promises continued excitement. With over 8,500 athletes participating in tournaments from January to August, the state is cementing its status as an emerging sports powerhouse. The BSSA, under the leadership of Director-General Raveendran Sankaran, has been praised for transforming Bihar’s sports landscape, as noted by table tennis star Sharath Kamal.

From hosting global events to nurturing local talent, Bihar’s sports journey in 2025 is a testament to its ambition and dedication. Stay tuned for more updates as the state continues to make waves in the sporting world!