Patna: The medal-awarding and closing ceremony of Bihar’s State-level Sports Competition for Persons with Disabilities was held today at the Indoor Stadium of Patliputra Sports Complex, Kankarbagh, Patna.
Jointly organised by the Department of Social Welfare, the Bihar State Sports Authority, and the Bihar Para Sports Association, the competition took place across 14 districts from September 15 to 24. A total of 2,618 athletes participated, including 413 women and 2,205 men. From these district-level events, 223 athletes (29 women and 194 men) qualified to compete at the state level in Para Athletics, Para Badminton, and Para Swimming.
Winners in each category were presented with certificates and medals during the ceremony. Among those in attendance were Bandana Preyashi, Secretary of the Department of Social Welfare; Pramod Bhagat, professional Para Badminton player; Yogesh Kumar Sagar, Director of the Directorate of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities; Anjali Sharma, Additional Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities; Shivaji Kumar, President of the Bihar Para Sports Association; and officials from the organising bodies.
Speaking at the event, Secretary Preyashi described the occasion as “historic and proud,” emphasising that it would help reshape the sports landscape in Bihar and provide greater opportunities for differently-abled athletes.
