Patna: Patna is hosting a rare convergence of India’s civil services and competitive sport, as more than 1,000 civil servant-athletes take part in the All India Civil Services Athletics Championship 2025–26.
The three-day national event, starting from December 13-15, at the Patliputra Sports Complex, has brought together 1,084 participants from across the country. Competitors include 702 men, 328 women and 54 officials, representing all 28 states and nine union territories, including Haryana, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Events began on Friday morning with track races such as the 100 metres and 400 metres, where athletes competed intensely on the complex’s synthetic track. The venue is equipped with international-standard facilities for both track and field events, allowing the championship to be conducted at a high professional level.
The programme features a wide range of athletic disciplines, including sprint and middle-distance races, high jump, long jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw and relay events. A notable highlight of the championship is the inclusion of veterans’ competitions for participants aged between 40 and 60, creating space for experienced athletes to compete alongside younger entrants.
Speaking at the event, Bihar’s Chief Secretary, Pratyay Amrit, described the championship as a moment of pride for the state. “It is a matter of honour for Bihar to host this national-level athletics championship,” he said, noting that all the participants were serving government officials who had continued to pursue their sporting passions alongside their professional responsibilities.
Amrit also pointed to the state’s renewed focus on sports development, following the creation of a separate sports department in 2024. Since then, Bihar has hosted several national and international sporting events, while expanding sports academies at the district level to nurture young talent.
He added that such national competitions not only inspire local youth but also promote sports tourism, expressing hope that visiting athletes would return home with positive impressions of Bihar. “All the participants here are ambassadors of Bihar,” he said.
