Patna: More than 5,500 athletes from across Bihar will participate in the Bihar State Games 2026, scheduled to be held from Dec 2 to 10, in a major push to identify emerging sporting talent and prepare athletes for national and international competitions.Sports minister Shreyasi Singh on Tuesday unveiled the official mascot and jersey of the Games at a function at the indoor hall of Pataliputra Sports Complex. The event also featured cultural performances showcasing Bihar’s folk traditions and heritage.Addressing the gathering, Singh said the state games would serve as an important platform for discovering and nurturing talent from different parts of Bihar. “Bihar has no shortage of sporting talent. What our athletes need is the right platform, better training facilities and modern infrastructure. These games will provide them an opportunity to showcase their abilities and prepare for bigger competitions,” she said.Emphasising India’s bid to host the 2036 Olympics, the minister said Bihar must strengthen its sporting ecosystem and talent pipeline from the grassroots level. She expressed hope that more athletes from the state would represent the country in future Olympic Games.Referring to international achievers from Bihar, including Jamui para-athlete Shailesh Kumar, Singh stressed the need to identify and support talented sportspersons at an early stage.The minister said athletes from Bihar had received cash incentives of over Rs 3 crore in the past two years. Encouraging sporting excellence and recognising achievements remain among the govt’s key priorities, she added.The Games are being organised jointly by the sports department, Bihar State Sports Authority and Bihar Olympic Association (BOA). Singh also urged sports associations and stakeholders to adopt best practices from other states to ensure the successful conduct of the event.
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