Patna: Bihar has been selected as the Best State Promoting Sports at the Sports Star Awards 2026, a recognition that highlights the state’s recent push towards strengthening sports infrastructure and athlete development. A delegation from the Sports Star Awards committee met Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday at the Sankalp hall in Patna to formally convey the decision.
According to the delegation, Bihar’s initiatives to encourage sports participation and improve training facilities have drawn national attention. The jury acknowledged the state’s steady progress in sports development, particularly in expanding access to facilities and encouraging youth participation across districts.
The award was decided by a national jury chaired by former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar, with members including Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, chess grandmaster Viswanathan Anand, shooter Anjali Bhagwat, badminton player Aparna Popat and three-time Olympian M M Somaya. The panel cited Bihar’s policy-driven approach and institutional reforms in the sports sector as key factors behind the selection.
Nitish Kumar thanked the delegation on behalf of the people of Bihar and expressed appreciation for the recognition, calling it a boost for the state’s sporting ambitions. He reiterated the government’s commitment to nurturing talent and expanding sports opportunities at the grassroots level.
Senior officials and political leaders, including Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, Chief Secretary Deepak Kumar and senior officials from the sports department and Bihar State Sports Authority, were present during the meeting, along with representatives from Sports Star magazine.
