Patna: As Bihar prepares to host the Khelo India Youth Games for the first time, a state-of-the-art Central Command and Control Centre was formally inaugurated today at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna to oversee the multi-district sporting spectacle.
The centre will operate round-the-clock from April 24 to May 17, coordinating events across five districts—Patna, Gaya, Rajgir, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur—as well as Delhi, where select competitions are also scheduled. The Games themselves will run from May 4 to 15, featuring 28 sporting disciplines.
The facility was inaugurated by Dr B. Rajender, Additional Chief Secretary of the Sports Department, in the presence of senior officials including Rabindra Shankar, Director General and CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority; Dr Sanjay Sinha, Chief Coordinator of the Command Centre; and other key figures from the state’s sports administration.
“This is a moment of immense pride and responsibility for Bihar,” said Rabindra Shankar. “It’s not just about hosting a national-level event—it’s about showcasing Bihar’s capacity to deliver a smooth, coordinated, and world-class sports event.”
Coordinating a Sporting Mega-Event
The Command Centre will serve as the nerve centre for the Games, ensuring seamless communication and coordination between departments. Over 1,000 volunteers, nodal officers from multiple agencies, and representatives from the Sports Authority of India and the state government will operate from the centre, overseeing logistics for transport, accommodation, medical support, food, electricity, and media.
The initiative marks a significant logistical undertaking for the state, reflecting its growing aspirations in national sports administration.
World Records in the Making
In a move to put Bihar firmly on the global cultural map, two Guinness World Records are set to be attempted during the opening ceremony on May 4. The first aims to create the world’s largest Madhubani painting, being crafted by 100 women artists—a nod to the state’s rich artistic heritage. Once completed, the artwork will be presented to the Prime Minister.
The second record attempt will see 400 child lamas perform a synchronized musical piece using traditional singing bowls. The current record stands at a similar performance involving just 100 participants.
Officials from the Guinness World Records will be present to verify both feats, lending international recognition to the festivities.
