Patna: Shreyasi Singh, Commonwealth Games gold medalist and BJP MLA from Jamui, was sworn in as a minister in Bihar’s newly formed NDA government on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone in both the state’s political and sporting history.
The 34-year-old, daughter of former Union Minister Digvijay Singh, took oath alongside Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who began his 10th term in office. The ceremony at Gandhi Maidan in Patna was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP President JP Nadda, and chief ministers from other states.
Singh, who hails from Gidhaur in Jamui district, comes from a family with a strong political legacy. Her father served as Union Minister for Railways and Commerce, her mother Putul Kumari is a former member of parliament, and her grandfather Kumar Surendra Singh led the National Rifle Association. Singh herself has carved out a dual legacy in sport and politics.
As a shooter specialising in double trap, Singh has represented India at the highest level. She won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, silver at the 2014 Glasgow Games, and bronze in the 2014 Asian Games team event. An Arjuna Award recipient, she is set to participate in the 2024 Paris Olympics, becoming Bihar’s first Olympic shooter. Her national accolades include gold at the 61st National Shooting Championship.
Singh’s political career has been equally impressive. She joined the BJP in 2020 and won the Jamui Assembly seat in her first election, defeating the RJD candidate by over 41,000 votes. In the 2025 assembly elections, she increased her margin to 54,498 votes, demonstrating her growing influence in state politics. Her close working relationship with Nitish Kumar has been widely noted.
In the new cabinet, Singh joins senior leaders including Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha among 20 ministers. Observers expect her portfolio to focus on sports and youth welfare, bridging her sporting achievements with governance.
Her swearing-in represents not only a personal milestone but also a broader trend of new-generation leaders entering Bihar’s political and cultural arenas. Singh’s journey from Commonwealth gold medalist to minister is seen as an inspiration for many, showcasing how sporting excellence can translate into leadership and public service.
