Latest news with #BSSA
Time of India
4 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
State ranking table tennis tournament from June 19
Patna: The first Bihar State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament will be held between June 19 and 22 at the indoor stadium of the Patliputra Sports Complex in Kankarbagh area here. The tournament, which will be held for the first time in Bihar, will be jointly organised under the banner of the sports department, Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) and Bihar Table Tennis Association, the BSSA director general-cum-CEO Raveendra Sankaran said here on Friday. The tournament will feature table tennis competitions for various age groups of Under 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 for both boys and girls as well as men's and women's singles, Sankaran said, adding that players from across the state can participate in the tournament. The participants can get themselves registered after filling up a form to take part in the tournament. The last date for registration will be June 12, while all the participants will have to report on June 18 at the sports authority. Registration will be free for the participants. The state govt and BSSA will take care of the accommodation and food and other arrangements for the players. The tournament is being organised under the guidance of internationally acclaimed table tennis player and Padma Shri awardee Sharad Kamal. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Eid wishes , messages , and quotes !
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Sport
- The Hindu
Khelo India Youth Games 2025: Bihar bags historic 36 medals
Bihar government's sustained efforts to nurture, promote, and incentivise sporting activities and culture have started paying rich dividends as the state has significantly upped its ranking from 28th position to 15th, winning a record 36 medals at the Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2025 in its backyard. The mega sports event concluded on Thursday with Bihar making its presence felt emphatically at the national level, first by successfully organising and subsequently improving its ranking and medals tally. It is Bihar's best ever performance at the KIYG with the state fetching seven gold, 11 silver and 18 bronze medals. Bihar has won two gold medals each in Thang Ta, Rugby, and Athletics and one gold medal in SepakTakraw. It has also witnessed a growth of 620 per cent over the last Khelo India Youth Games held in 2023, where it won five medals including two gold, two silver and one bronze. It was the state's second best performance. Bihar ranked 21st and 24th at the sixth and fifth KIYG respectively, after finishing 28th in all the initial editions of the Games which began in 2018. The state could barely open its account with a bronze medal in the 2018 games. In 2019, it won five medals, including one silver and four bronze but the medals tally increased to nine in 2020. Out of nine medals, the state could win just one gold and silver each and seven bronze medals. READ: Indian Sports Wrap, May 15: Dates of shotgun trials 2 and 3 announced, Khelo India Beach Games to take place in Daman and Diu However, in 2021, Bihar witnessed a sharp decline in its medals tally as it returned home with just two. Bihar's overall medals tally was seven in 2022 and five in 2023. In recent years, the Bihar government has taken umpteen measures to improve the state of sports affairs in Bihar and build infrastructure, creating a favourable environment for sports from the panchayat to the state level. The government has provided other facilities such as national and international coaches, training, and support staff. It has come out with a sports scholarship scheme awarding INR 3 to 20 lakh to different categories of players. Besides, the state government also came out a scheme 'Medal Lao, Naukri Pao' as per which players winning medals at national and international level get government jobs. The government also came out with another scheme titled 'Mashaal' which is a talent hunt competition to identify, train and hone children's talent at school level to make them compete at national and international level. BSSA DG Raveendran Sankaran said Bihar created history in KIYG as its athletes worked hard in the build-up to the Games. | Photo Credit: RV MOORTHY/The Hindu On Bihar's performance at the KIYG, Bihar State Sports Authority Director General Raveendran Sankaran told the media, 'This is Bihar. We do not write history, rather, we create history. Our talented athletes have given wings to their dreams. It is the outcome of four years of hard work. Athletes were given training by specialised coaches in their fields. Even foreign coaches gave training to the athletes.' The Sports Department and Bihar State Sports Authority were formed to give special attention to the development of sports, Sankaran said, adding that 'our athletes have worked hard for the Games.' The Youth Games had commenced on May 4, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conferencing. On the last day, decisive events for medals in Basketball, Wrestling and Fencing were played at Patna and Rajgir in the Nalanda district. Related Topics Khelo India Youth Games
Time of India
04-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Once known for caste wars, Bihar now hogs limelight for sports battles
1 2 3 Patna: The state, which used to grab national headlines for caste wars and massacres, has been trying to carve a niche in the sports arena by developing world-class infrastructure, and hosting national and international events. Bihar is not only hosting the 7th edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from May 4 to 15, Rajgir, so far famous for its tourist sites, is also set to host Men's Asia Cup hockey tournament from Aug 29 to Sept 7. The winners will qualify for the World Cup to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Hockey India and Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) signed an MoU recently to finalise the historic city as the venue for the marquee event. Ravindran Shankaran, BSSA DG-cum-chief executive officer, said it was a matter of pride for Bihar as the tournament was being held in India for the third time only, after 1989 in New Delhi and 2007 in Chennai. Earlier, Rajgir played host to the women's Asian Champions Trophy from Nov 11 to Nov 20, 2024, featuring China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. With India winning the prestigious tournament, the state govt awarded cash prize of Rs10 lakh each to the Indian team members. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the Rajgir stadium is of international standards. Rajgir Sports University and Sports Academy was inaugurated by CM Nitish Kumar on August 29, 2024. It is the first university in Bihar with 24 types of indoor and outdoor sports facilities like hockey turf, swimming pool, football ground, cricket stadium and an indoor stadium. Besides, the Nitish Kumar govt has already announced plans to develop the state's first international-level sports city in Punpun block of Patna district. The ambitious project over 100 acres will be equipped with Olympic-standard facilities. The complex will feature modern stadiums, dedicated training centres, hostels for athletes and state-of-the-art sports science laboratories. It was approved during the 2025-26 budget session with an aim to provide world-class training and infrastructure for athletes. Bihar govt has allocated Rs 568 crore for sports in the 2025-26 budget, which is Rs 88 crore more than the previous year. Of this, Rs 373 crore is earmarked for stadiums and sports infrastructure, while Rs 195 crore will support various sports activities. Dr Subhangi, the coach of the Maharashtra team participating in the Khelo India games in Bhagalpur, was all praise for the standards of infrastructure. Among other national and international sports events hosted by the state are SepakTakraw World Cup 2025 from March 20 to 25 at Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Patna, 32nd National Junior Fencing Championship 2024-2025 in Patliputra Sports Complex from Dec 2 to 5 last year and 68th National School Games Fencing Under-19 (Boys and Girls) Championship from Feb 10 to 14. Sports Conclave 2.0 was successfully organised in May 2023 in Patna, in which officials, national and state sports federations, policymakers, business enterprises and several key stakeholders from the sports industry participated. Patna: The state, which used to grab national headlines for caste wars and massacres, has been trying to carve a niche in the sports arena by developing world-class infrastructure, and hosting national and international events. Bihar is not only hosting the 7th edition of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from May 4 to 15, Rajgir, so far famous for its tourist sites, is also set to host Men's Asia Cup hockey tournament from Aug 29 to Sept 7. The winners will qualify for the World Cup to be jointly hosted by Belgium and the Netherlands. Hockey India and Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) signed an MoU recently to finalise the historic city as the venue for the marquee event. Ravindran Shankaran, BSSA DG-cum-chief executive officer, said it was a matter of pride for Bihar as the tournament was being held in India for the third time only, after 1989 in New Delhi and 2007 in Chennai. Earlier, Rajgir played host to the women's Asian Champions Trophy from Nov 11 to Nov 20, 2024, featuring China, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia and Thailand. With India winning the prestigious tournament, the state govt awarded cash prize of Rs10 lakh each to the Indian team members. Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said the Rajgir stadium is of international standards. Rajgir Sports University and Sports Academy was inaugurated by CM Nitish Kumar on August 29, 2024. It is the first university in Bihar with 24 types of indoor and outdoor sports facilities like hockey turf, swimming pool, football ground, cricket stadium and an indoor stadium. Besides, the Nitish Kumar govt has already announced plans to develop the state's first international-level sports city in Punpun block of Patna district. The ambitious project over 100 acres will be equipped with Olympic-standard facilities. The complex will feature modern stadiums, dedicated training centres, hostels for athletes and state-of-the-art sports science laboratories. It was approved during the 2025-26 budget session with an aim to provide world-class training and infrastructure for athletes. Bihar govt has allocated Rs 568 crore for sports in the 2025-26 budget, which is Rs 88 crore more than the previous year. Of this, Rs 373 crore is earmarked for stadiums and sports infrastructure, while Rs 195 crore will support various sports activities. Dr Subhangi, the coach of the Maharashtra team participating in the Khelo India games in Bhagalpur, was all praise for the standards of infrastructure. Among other national and international sports events hosted by the state are SepakTakraw World Cup 2025 from March 20 to 25 at Patliputra Indoor Stadium in Patna, 32nd National Junior Fencing Championship 2024-2025 in Patliputra Sports Complex from Dec 2 to 5 last year and 68th National School Games Fencing Under-19 (Boys and Girls) Championship from Feb 10 to 14. Sports Conclave 2.0 was successfully organised in May 2023 in Patna, in which officials, national and state sports federations, policymakers, business enterprises and several key stakeholders from the sports industry participated.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Sports complex undergoes overhaul ahead of Games
1 2 Patna : The state capital is buzzing with anticipation as it prepares to host the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 from May 4. The Pataliputra Sports Complex is undergoing a transformation with state-of-the-art upgrades and infrastructure developments in full swing. The Games will be held in five locations – Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai. The inauguration will be held at the Pataliputra Sports Complex here. Ravindran Shankaran, director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), said, "Upgradation work is being carried out throughout the campus from the main gate to the sports complex. A VIP lounge is being made in the east stand gallery. This will be fully air-conditioned. Thick glass will be used at the front, providing a clear view of the entire sports complex ground." He added that the BSSA building is being modernised with rooms for players, coaches, officials, media conferences and office spaces, alongside upgraded toilets. The running track and football field have been developed to international standards, high-mast LED lighting installed and internal roads topped with asphalt. "The entire sports complex has been painted, the entry gate arch refurbished and the VIP gallery upgraded with HPL panelling, a false ceiling and lighting," Shankaran said, adding that additional competition venues in Patna include IAS Bhavan, Gyan Bhavan, Ganga Pathway and BMP 5 Indoor Stadium.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Bihar sets world records for largest Madhubani painting & bowl ensemble
Patna: Bihar has set two for the largest Madhubani painting (201.17sqft) and singing bowl ensemble by 375 Buddhist monks of Bodh Gaya ahead of Khelo India Youth Games 2025 , to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Patna on May 4. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The games are being held for the first time in Bihar — at Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai. CM Nitish Kumar, who visited Patliputra Sports Complex on Sunday to review the preparations, received the certificates of both the Guinness World Records, presented by the adjudicator and officials in the presence of Ravindran Shankaran, DG-cum-CEO of Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA). The CM honoured Padma Shri Baua Devi for leading a team of 50 women of Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan at Saurath in Madhubani, who made the largest Madhubani painting by working for 50 hours continuously for the BSSA. It will be unveiled at the inaugural function on May 4. Shankaran told this newspaper that the largest Madhubani painting has been made in natural colours on a sprawling canvas with intricate designs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. In Bodh Gaya, the 375 Buddhist monks performed with singing bowls simultaneously on Saturday. So far, the world record was of a performance by 100 lamas. Shankaran said the world's largest singing bowl ensemble was created by the Buddhist monks from various monasteries and of an impressive age group of five to 70 years, in harmonious unity for the Buddha Mantra. The feat was planned by the BSSA as a tribute to the state being the 'Land of Enlightenment', as it has been the birthplace of many religions, the DG said. He added the certificates were proudly received by CM Nitish Kumar from adjudicator Rishi from the Guinness World Records, marking another milestone for the state ahead of the Khelo India Youth Games Bihar 2025. Meanwhile, the CM gave necessary guidelines to the officials during his inspection of the central control and command centre set up at the Patliputra stadium for the games, in which around 10,000 athletes and technical staff from across the country will participate in altogether 28 sports events. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The events will be held at Patna's IAS Bhawan (tennis), JP Ganga Path (cycling), BMP-5 indoor stadium (e-sports, wrestling and judo), Patel Sports Complex Railway (boxing and table tennis), and Patliputra Sports Complex (athletics, rugby 7-A-Side, volleyball, basketball and sepaktakraw). Patna: Bihar has set two Guinness World Records for the largest Madhubani painting (201.17sqft) and single bowl ensemble by 375 Buddhist monks at Bodh Gaya ahead of Khelo India Youth Games 2025, to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Patna on May 4. The games are being held for the first time in Bihar — at Patna, Rajgir, Gaya, Bhagalpur and Begusarai. CM Nitish Kumar, who visited Patliputra Sports Complex on Sunday to review the preparations, received the certificates of both the Guinness World Records, presented by the adjudicator and officials in the presence of Ravindran Shankaran, DG-cum-CEO of Bihar State Sports Authority. The CM honoured Padma Shri Baua Devi for leading a team of 50 women of Mithila Chitrakala Sansthan at Saurath in Madhubani, who made the largest Madhubani painting by working for 50 hours continuously. It will be unveiled at the inaugural function on May 4. Shankaran told this newspaper that the largest Madhubani painting has been made in natural colours on a sprawling canvas with intricate designs, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Bihar. In Bodh Gaya, the 375 Buddhist monks performed with singing bowls simultaneously on Saturday. So far, the world record was of a performance by 100 lamas. Shankaran said the world's largest singing bowl ensemble was created by the Buddhist monks from various monasteries and of an impressive age group of five to 70 years, in harmonious unity for the Buddha Mantra. The feat was planned as a tribute to the state being the 'Land of Enlightenment', as it has been the birthplace of many religions, the DG said. He added the certificates were proudly received by CM Nitish Kumar from adjudicator Rishi from the Guinness World Records, marking another milestone for the state ahead of the Khelo India Youth Games Bihar 2025. Meanwhile, the CM gave necessary guidelines to the officials during his inspection of the central control and command centre set up at the Patliputra stadium for the games, in which around 10,000 athletes and technical staff from across the country will participate in altogether 28 sports events. The events will be held at Patna's IAS Bhawan (tennis), JP Ganga Path (cycling), BMP-5 indoor stadium (e-sports, wrestling and judo), Patel Sports Complex Railway (boxing and table tennis), and Patliputra Sports Complex (athletics, rugby 7-A-Side, volleyball, basketball and sepaktakraw).
