Patna: Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday felicitated young cricketer Vaibhav Suryavanshi for his contribution to India’s victory in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, presenting him with a Rs 50 lakh cheque and a ceremonial shawl at a function held at 1 Anne Marg in Patna.
The ceremony recognised Suryavanshi’s performance in the tournament, which officials said played a key role in India’s title win and brought pride to Bihar. Kumar congratulated the player, describing him as a promising talent whose hard work and determination had positioned him as a future prospect for Indian cricket.
Addressing the event, the chief minister encouraged the cricketer to continue striving for excellence and representing both the state and the country on the global stage. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure, saying modern facilities and institutional support were being expanded to nurture emerging athletes across Bihar.
Kumar added that Suryavanshi’s achievement would inspire young sportspersons in the state and expressed hope that he would set new benchmarks in his career. “It is a matter of pride that a player from Bihar has achieved international recognition through dedication and talent,” he said.
The event was attended by deputy chief minister Samrat Choudhary, water resources minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary, sports minister Shreyasi Singh, senior officials from the chief minister’s office and sports department, representatives of the Bihar Cricket Association, and Suryavanshi’s family members.
