Patna: Bihar has recorded its best-ever performance at the 38th National Games, securing 12 medals, including one gold, six silver, and five bronze. The achievement marks a significant milestone in the state’s sporting history, reflecting a sharp rise in its national rankings.
The Bihar Sports Department and Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) played a crucial role in this success, implementing a structured approach to athlete preparation and training. Ahead of the Games in Uttarakhand, officials had set a target of 10 to 12 medals, a goal that was successfully met, underscoring the effectiveness of Bihar’s revamped sports strategy.
A key factor in Bihar’s performance was the role of the ad hoc committee formed by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA). The committee oversaw fair trials, transparent selection processes, and intensive training camps, ensuring that Bihar’s athletes were well-prepared for the competition. The Sports Department, BSSA, and the committee also provided logistical and medical support, including winter clothing, specialised training, and on-site coaching staff to boost morale.
Bihar’s gold medal came in lawn bowls, a sport with Commonwealth Games recognition, marking a landmark moment for the state’s sporting ambitions. In archery, Anshika Kumari won silver in the women’s recurve individual event, putting up a strong fight against Indian archery legend Deepika Kumari. Fencer Aakash earned Bihar’s first-ever medal in the sport, claiming silver in the foil event along with an additional bronze.
The women’s rugby team secured silver after a competitive final against Odisha, further highlighting Bihar’s growing prowess in team sports. Success extended to wushu, with athletes securing one silver and one bronze, while the modern pentathlon team contributed two bronze medals. Bihar also won silver in yogasana, an emerging discipline, showcasing the state’s diverse sporting talent.
Unlike in previous editions, where Bihar relied on athletes from other states, this year’s success was driven entirely by homegrown talent. The Bihar Sports Department and BSSA’s long-term vision of nurturing local athletes has started to pay dividends, with structured training and athlete-focused policies yielding results.
The state’s performance earned praise from IOA president PT Usha, who highlighted Bihar’s rapid sporting progress over the past two years. She accepted an invitation to the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, which Bihar will host later this year, further cementing the state’s position as an emerging force in Indian sports.
With a renewed focus on policy reforms, talent development, and state-level sports initiatives, Bihar is now setting its sights on even greater success. The 12-medal haul at the National Games serves as a foundation for future achievements, reinforcing Bihar’s transformation into a competitive sporting state.
