2 days ago
Bihar to establish residential sports school for para-athletes
Bihar is set to establish a dedicated Residential Sports School for Para-Athletes, the first of its kind in the region, the state government announced on Wednesday. The said initiative will be implemented under the 'Mukhyamantri Khel Vikas Mahatvkanshi Yojana' as part of one of the Eklavya Schools.
This school is being established following India's performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, where Indian athletes brought home a record-breaking 29 medals - seven gold, nine silver and 13 bronze - marking the country's best-ever performance at the multi-discipline event.
According to a statement from the Bihar State Sports Authority, 'The Residential Para Sports School aims not only to identify and train talent across Bihar and beyond but also to set a national benchmark in inclusive athlete development. It aligns with the Government of India's broader vision under the Khelo India and National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) frameworks, reinforcing that para-sports are not peripheral but central to India's sporting ambitions.'
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'This institution will serve as a launchpad for future Paralympians, equipped to groom medal prospects for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games and beyond,' it added.
Several athletes from Bihar have represented India at national and international platforms, winning medals at Khelo India Para Games, National Para Championships, Para Athletics Nationals, and in sports such as powerlifting, athletics, swimming and badminton.
Pramod Bhagat of Vaishali clinched gold in men's singles SL3 badminton at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Sharad Kumar, from Muzaffarpur, secured a silver medal in men's high jump T63 at the Paris 2024 Games, while Soman Rana, originally from Shillong, trained extensively in Bihar with Army support and finished 5th in shot put F57 and clinched national gold in 2025.
'Bihar has always been a land of potential. With the right investment in infrastructure, coaching and inclusion, we can turn our para-athletes into national heroes. This Residential Sports School is a milestone towards equity, excellence and empowerment,' Raveendran Sankaran, IPS – DG cum CEO, Bihar State Sports Authority, said.
