Rajgir, Bihar: The inauguration of the State Sports Academy in Rajgir marks the beginning of a transformative era for sports in Bihar.
On Thursday, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar officially opened the State Sports Academy and Bihar Sports University in a grand ceremony held in Rajgir, Nalanda. The event also featured a Sports Honours ceremony, where international athletes from Bihar were recognised for their achievements. This inauguration signals the start of a new chapter in Bihar’s sporting history.
Ravindran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority and Director of the State Sports Academy, highlighted the potential of these new institutions to elevate Bihar’s sports sector. He expressed optimism that by 2032, athletes from Bihar will not only participate in the Olympics but also secure medals for the nation.
Olympian and MLA Shreyasi Singh emphasised the unique opportunities that the State Sports Academy and Bihar Sports University will provide for Bihar’s athletes. She noted that these institutions will bring significant recognition and respect to local sports talent. An exhibition match featuring the Indian women’s hockey teams was organised to commemorate the occasion. The Academy will not only host international competitions but also offer world-class training for athletes.
The State Sports Academy is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including indoor and outdoor stadiums for football, hockey, basketball, volleyball, handball, lawn tennis, wrestling, weightlifting, kabaddi, fencing, table tennis, shooting, archery, and badminton. It stands as the only international sports complex in India offering such a wide range of sports training under one roof. The Academy is also designed to provide athletes with advanced scientific training, supported by modern sports infrastructure to host global events.
Bihar Sports University has been established as a premier centre for sports research and training. Additionally, an international-standard cricket stadium is under construction in Rajgir, with completion expected by June 2025. This ambitious project underscores Bihar’s commitment to becoming a significant player in the global sports arena.
