Gaya: Known globally as a centre of spiritual salvation, the city of Gaya in Bihar has now made its mark in the sports arena. For the first time, Gaya hosted the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, transforming the historically spiritual landscape into a dynamic stage for competitive sports. The events were held across two venues — the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bodh Gaya campus and the Bihar Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (BIPART) Sports Complex.
Over 1,500 athletes from across 18 states competed in seven disciplines: swimming, kho-kho, thang-ta, yoga, gatka, malkham, and kalaripayattu. The events concluded on 14 May, with Bihar’s own athletes making a strong showing, winning nine medals in the gatka category alone. 
A milestone for Gaya’s identity
The Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, has long advocated for a more sports-friendly image of the state. Gaya, traditionally known for Pitru Paksha rituals and Buddhist pilgrimage, welcomed a different kind of crowd this season — one filled with young athletes, coaches, and supporters. Hotel operators reported a surge in bookings and footfall, especially around Buddha Purnima.
“This is the first time we’ve seen such an energetic, youth-oriented crowd. Khelo India has given Gaya a new identity,” said Mrityunjay Kumar, a local hotelier.
BIPART’s international-level sports complex
Despite Gaya lacking traditional large-scale sports infrastructure, the modern BIPART complex proved to be a game-changer. Built over 10.5 acres, it includes a world-class Olympic-sized swimming pool, tracks for cycling and sprinting, volleyball and lawn tennis courts, and an indoor stadium named after hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. The pool, which meets international standards, hosted all swimming events and is poised to become a national hub for aquatic competitions.
IIM Bodh Gaya steps in with flexibility
Meanwhile, the IIM Bodh Gaya campus accommodated several events using German hangars, leveraging its open spaces despite the absence of permanent sports infrastructure. With dedicated transport and lodging support, the logistics for outstation athletes were well managed, setting a high benchmark for future events in the region.
A step forward for Bihar’s sports future
Bihar’s performance — particularly in traditional martial arts like gatka and yoga — has been promising. With the right infrastructure and continued investment, the state could emerge as a strong contender in India’s evolving sports map. Organisers and local business owners have called for Gaya to become a recurring host for national-level competitions.
