Patna: Bihar is set to host the first National Youth Games in 2028, marking a significant milestone for sports in the state. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) has given its in-principle approval for the event, announced P.T. Usha, president of the association.
In a further boost for athletes, an Olympic fencing training centre is also set to open in Bihar. Union Sports Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has approved the initiative, following a proposal from Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh.
Ravindran Shankaran, director general of the Bihar State Sports Authority, said Singh met with Usha in Delhi to discuss preparations for the first State Games in Bihar, scheduled for February, and to seek the IOA’s support in developing athletes and sporting infrastructure in the state.
Singh expressed optimism about full cooperation from the IOA, describing the approval to host the National Youth Games as “a very significant achievement for Bihar and a great gift for the state’s sports community.”
Usha reaffirmed her support for the Bihar State Games and confirmed that further discussions on formalities, standards, and preparations for the National Youth Games will continue in the coming months.
In addition, Dr Mandaviya has invited Singh, the sports department’s Additional Chief Secretary Dr B. Rajender, and Shankaran to participate in a Sports Brainstorming Camp in January under the Mission Olympics initiative. The camp will bring together sports experts, coaches, and athletes from across India to discuss the establishment of more Olympic training centres and strategies for improving India’s medal prospects at the Olympic Games.
