Patna: Umme Habiba of Patna emerged victorious in the girls’ under-19 100-metre race at the Inter-District School Athletics Championships, securing the gold medal with a time of 12.96 seconds. Sonam Prakash from Aurangabad took the silver with a time of 13.06 seconds, while Kusum Kumari of Rohtas earned the bronze, finishing in 14.37 seconds.

In the under-17 girls’ 100-metre race, Pooja Kumari of Saran claimed the top spot, followed by Kajal Kumari of Kaimur in second place, and Ananya Shri of Patna in third. Meanwhile, in the under-14 girls’ category, Manvi Kumari from Eklavya Training Centre won the gold medal, while Deepika Kumari and Preeti Kumari from West Champaran took silver and bronze respectively.

The event, hosted by the District Administration of Patna in partnership with the Bihar Sports Department and Bihar State Sports Authority, was inaugurated at the Patliputra Sports Complex. Bihar’s Sports Minister, Surendra Mehta, officiated the opening by raising the flag and releasing balloons.

In his speech, the Minister reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to enhancing sports infrastructure and supporting athletes at every level. He highlighted the development of sports facilities at the panchayat level and the establishment of world-class sports academies. Mehta expressed confidence that Bihar’s athletes will soon excel at international events, including the Olympics and Asian Games.

Special guest Arun Kumar Sinha, MLA, encouraged the athletes to consider sports as a career, noting that both the state and central governments are working to ensure the future security and respect of players.

Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-Chief Executive Officer of Bihar State Sports Authority, spoke about the expansion of sports into rural areas, stating that sports clubs are being established in every panchayat. He also announced a forthcoming talent search programme, which will be launched in 40,000 schools across the state under the Torch Programme.

The inauguration featured a colourful march-past by athletes from various districts, set to the music of the Patna Muslim High School band. National athlete Priyanshi of Patna administered the athletes’ oath, urging participants to uphold sportsmanship and the rules of the championships.

District Sports Officer Om Prakash presented green plants and mementoes to the event’s distinguished guests. Sanjay Kumar, District Education Officer of Patna, welcomed the attendees, while Sameer Saurav, Deputy Development Commissioner of Patna, gave the vote of thanks. The event was conducted by Abhishek Kumar, NIS Instructor and Educational Teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Panal, Patna.

Results:

Girls Under-14
High Jump

1. Yasmin Parveen, Patna
2. Chahat Kumari, Patna
3. Sonali Verma, Siwan

Shot Put

1. Pallavi Singh, Gaya
2. Ismat Ara, Kishanganj
3. Deepali Kumari, Gaya

Girls Under-17
High Jump

1. Neema Kumari, Saran
2. Ananya Pratap, Patna
3. Mansi Kumari, Patna

Shot Put

1. Shoumya Rai, Siwan
2. Ismat Ara, Kishanganj
3. Anjuman Nisha, Eklavya Training Centre