Sports and Awards in Bihar | BPSC Preparation: All subjects - BPSC (Bihar) PDF Download

Sports and Awards in Bihar

Bihar has a strong culture of sports, and the government is committed to providing all possible facilities to the youth to foster their interest in various sports activities. The state is involved in a wide range of sports, including football, hockey, cricket, basketball, badminton, and nearly all other sports practiced across India.

The Bihar State Sports Council, established in 1961 and reorganized in 1966 and 2013, operates under the Bihar Sports Act of 2013. The Council plays a crucial role in advising on sports-related matters and coordinating with other organizations. The Education Minister of Bihar serves as the Director of this Council.

Awards and Recognition

• The State Government of Bihar gives out many awards to recognize achievements in sports and other areas.
• Several individuals from Bihar have received various awards in different categories for their contributions and excellence.

Sports in Bihar

Sports have always been an integral part of Bihar’s culture and history. Various games have been played in the state for centuries, with some gaining prominence due to historical events and the influence of key individuals. Here’s a detailed look at the major sports in Bihar:

Football

Football has a rich history in Bihar, dating back to its introduction by the English Shield in 1897, linked with the Patna Athletics Association. This association played a crucial role in organizing football tournaments in the state.

• Notable Players: Shri C Prasad, a prominent figure in Bihar football, captained the Indian national team in 1971 and received the Arjun Award the same year. Other important players include Mewalal, Subhash Malik, and PK Banerji.
• Governing Body: The Bihar Football Association oversees the sport in the state and is affiliated with the All India Football Federation (AIFF).
• Tournaments: The association organizes various tournaments, including ‘A’ and ‘B’ division competitions.
• Historical Events: The Asian School Football Championship was held in Patna in 1997, showcasing the state’s involvement in promoting football at various levels.

Hockey

Hockey has been played in Bihar since 1904, with its roots tracing back to Patna College. The sport gained national recognition when India, under the captaincy of Jaipal Singh from Bihar, won its first Olympic gold medal in 1928.

• Governing Body: The Bihar Hockey Association, established in 1986, currently governs the sport in the state. Before its formation, the Bihar Olympic Association managed hockey activities.
• Tournaments: Annual hockey competitions are held at Kalinga Stadium in Danapur Cantt, and the Postal Department in Patna organizes the All India Hockey Tournament.
• Notable Players: Prominent hockey players from Bihar include Anand Kumar Bara, Sachin Horo, and Dolly Kumari, among others.

Lawn Tennis

Lawn tennis made its debut in Bihar in 1912 at Bankipur (now part of Patna) and the Patna New Club. The Bihar Lawn Tennis Council was established the same year to promote the sport.

• Tournaments: The state hosted Davis Cup Tournaments in 1930 and 1970, featuring matches against British and Pakistani teams, respectively.
• Notable Players: Prominent lawn tennis players from Bihar include N Sen, Hari Verma, and Dinesh Mohan, among others.
• Contributions: Ghulam Mohammad, a renowned sportsperson from Bihar, contributed to the sport as a coach in Patna.

Cricket

Cricket has a long-standing tradition in Bihar, with the Bihar Cricket Association established in 1935 to govern the sport. The association faced challenges, including a suspension by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) in 1999-2000, but was later recognized as the authorized body for organizing cricket in the state.

• Historical Background: The Bihar cricket team participated in the Ranji Tournament from the 1936-37 season. Notable players like Saba Karim, Kirti Azad, and Ramesh Saxena gained recognition at the national level.
• Tournaments and Recognition: The Mahendra Singh Dhoni, a prominent cricketer, was part of the Bihar U-19 squad and made his Ranji debut in 1999-2000. The Bihar cricket team became part of the Ranji Trophy Tournament in the 2018-19 season.
• Notable Players: Other significant players from Bihar include Randhir Singh, Hari Gidwani, and Shakher Sinha, who made their mark in national cricket.

Kabaddi

Patna Pirates is a prominent Kabaddi team from Bihar, competing in the Pro-Kabaddi League. Ownership and Management : The team is owned by Rajesh V Shah and coached by Ram Mehar Singh. Captain : Pradeep Narwal leads the team as captain. Home Ground : Patna Pirates play their home matches at the Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna. Milestone : They were the first team to reach 100 matches in the Vivo Pro-Kabaddi League.

Regional Games in Bihar

•   Chika  
•   Sui-Dhaga Race  
•   Gulli-Danda  
•   Lagadi  
•   Denga-Pani  
•   Sack-Race (Bora-Daud)  

 To promote sports among village youth, the Bihar State Sports Authority organizes various sports tournaments and competitions at the district and state levels, following the Indian Government's directions. 

Important Sports Persons of Bihar

Stadiums in Bihar

To facilitate the organization of sports tournaments and competitions, several sports stadiums have been built in Bihar. Notable Stadiums in Patna : Moin-ul-Haq Stadium : The largest stadium in Patna, with a capacity of 25,000 spectators. It has hosted numerous national and international football and cricket events, including a 1996 World Cup cricket match between Zimbabwe and Kenya. Patliputra Sports Complex : Located in Kankarbagh, Patna, this complex is a popular venue for various indoor games. Mithilesh Stadium : Also situated in Patna, this stadium hosts a wide range of sports activities.

Important Stadiums in Bihar

Introduction

Bihar has a rich tradition of sports and physical activities, with various tournaments and competitions held to promote and develop sports at different levels. The state is home to numerous sports associations that play a crucial role in organizing events, providing training, and nurturing talent across various disciplines.

Important Tournaments of Bihar

Bihar hosts a range of important sports tournaments aimed at promoting various sports and identifying talented athletes. Some of the notable tournaments include:

• Major Dhyanchand Hockey Tournament: This state-level Inter-District Hockey Tournament is organized annually by the Directorate. The winning team represents Bihar in the All India Nehru Hockey Tournament, with expenses covered by the government.
• School Tournaments: To enhance opportunities for school sports and provide better facilities for athletes, the Sports Department organizes school sports tournaments in 19 different sports categories at block, district, division, and state levels for various age groups.
• Women Sports Competitions: The Women Sports Festival, organized by the Bihar State Sports Authority for the past 16 years, aims to encourage girls and women to participate in sports. It focuses on self-defense, equality, sports culture, and developing efficiency in sports. Selected sportswomen receive training to represent Bihar in national competitions.

Sports Associations in Bihar

Bihar is home to several active sports associations that play a vital role in the development and promotion of various sports across the state. Some of the key associations include:

• Bihar Olympic Association: The apex body for sports development in Bihar, responsible for directing and assisting other organizations in promoting different sports.
• Bihar Football Association: Established in 1986, this association organizes junior and senior-level football competitions and provides training for the sport.
• Bihar Hockey Association: Also formed in 1986, this association oversees the training and organization of hockey competitions for boys in the state. Prior to its establishment, the Bihar Olympic Association managed hockey in Bihar.
• Bihar State Girl’s Hockey Association: Focused on training and organizing competitions for female hockey players in Bihar.
• Bihar State Cricket Association: Established in 1935, this association manages the preparation, training, and organization of cricket in Bihar, including player evaluations and competitions at junior and senior levels.
• Bihar State Chess Association: Founded in 1937, this association trains and organizes competitions for chess players at senior and junior levels.
• Bihar State Amateur Athletic Association: Responsible for organizing state open meets and promoting athletes for state and national competitions.

Other Sports Associations in Bihar

In addition to the major associations, there are several other sports associations in Bihar that conduct competitions and provide training in various sports. These include:

• Bihar Volleyball Association
• Bihar Basketball Association
• Bihar Tennis Association
• Bihar Wushu Association
• Bihar Women Football Association
• Bihar Roller Skating Association
• Bihar Billiards Association
• Bihar Cycling Association
• Bihar Carrom Association
• Bihar Kabaddi Association
• Bihar Table Tennis Association
• Bihar Badminton Association
• Bihar Blind Sports Association

Sports Associations in Bihar

• Bihar Deaf Sports Association
• Bihar Women Volleyball Association
• Bihar Boxing Association
• Bihar Rifle Shooting Association
• Bihar Taekwondo Association
• Bihar Baseball Association

Bihar State Sports Authority

Formation and Structure : The Bihar State Sports Authority was established on July 31, 1986. It is an autonomous body that receives financial support from both the State and Central Governments. The authority is managed by a team that includes a Director General, a Director, and a Secretary, with the Chief Minister of Bihar serving as the Ex-Officio head.

Objectives : The primary goals of the Bihar State Sports Authority are to:

• Organize sports competitions at various levels, from block to state.
• Identify and nurture outstanding sports talent.
• Provide training and support to athletes for participation in state and national competitions.
• Offer financial assistance to athletes in need.

Recognition and Awards : The Bihar State Government honors and rewards exceptional sportspersons for their contributions to sports. These awards are presented on occasions such as Independence Day, Republic Day, and other national or regional events. Recipients of these awards receive a cash prize, a symbol or logo, a citation, and a shawl.

Financial Support : The authority's activities are funded by both the State and Central Governments, ensuring that it has the necessary resources to promote and develop sports in Bihar.

Famous Sports Personalities from Bihar

Shivnath Singh

• Early Life and Background : Shivnath Singh was born in 1946 in Majharia village, located in Buxar, Bihar. 
• Athletic Career : He was renowned as a long-distance runner and represented India in various prestigious events, including the Asian Games and the Summer Olympics. 
• Major Achievements : Shivnath Singh competed in the Asian Games twice and participated in the Summer Olympics in 1976 and 1980. He set a national record in the India National Marathon in 1978, completing the race in 2 hours, 12 minutes, and 00 seconds in Jalandhar. 
• Later Life and Legacy : Shivnath Singh passed away in 2003 after battling a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy as one of India's prominent long-distance runners.

Sharad Kumar

• Early Life : Sharad Kumar was born in Patna, Bihar, in 1992. 
• Career Highlights : He is a celebrated Indian para high jumper and was once ranked World No. 1 in his category. 
• Some of his significant achievements include: 
• 2014 Asian Para Games : Won a gold medal in high jump and achieved the World No. 1 rank. 
• 2017 IPC World Championship : Secured a silver medal. 
• 2018 Asian Para Games : Won another gold medal, held in Indonesia. Legacy : Sharad Kumar is recognized for his exceptional contributions to para-athletics and his inspiring achievements on the international stage.

Kirti Azad

• Early Life and Background : Kirti Azad was born in 1959 in Darbhanga, Bihar. He is the son of Bhagwat Jha Azad, a former Chief Minister of Bihar. 
• Cricket Career : Kirti Azad was an Indian cricketer who played as a right-handed batsman and an off-spinner. 
• His career spanned from 1980 to 1986, during which he participated in: 7 Test Matches 25 One Day Internationals (ODIs) Post-Cricket Career : After retiring from cricket, Kirti Azad ventured into politics. He served as a Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha for three terms. However, he lost the Lok Sabha elections in 2019. 
• Legacy : Kirti Azad is remembered for his contributions to Indian cricket and his subsequent political career.

Sayed Saba Karim

• Early Life and Background : Sayed Saba Karim was born in 1967 in Patna, Bihar. 
• Cricket Career : He was a former Indian cricketer known for his skills as a right-handed batsman and wicket-keeper. 
• Some highlights of his career include: 1990-91 Ranji Trophy : Achieved his career-best score of 234 runs in a match against Odisha. Post-Cricket Career : After retiring from professional cricket, Saba Karim took on administrative roles within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). He was appointed as the General Manager for Cricket Operations by the BCCI on January 1, 2018. 
• Legacy : Sayed Saba Karim is recognized for his contributions to Indian cricket both on and off the field.

Subroto Banerjee

Early Life and Career

• Born in Patna in 1969.
• Former Indian cricketer active from 1991 to 1992.

International Career

• Played in 1 Test Match and 6 One Day Internationals (ODIs).
• Participated in the 1992 Cricket World Cup.

Kavita Roy

Early Life and Career

• Born in Hajipur in 1980.
• Former Indian cricketer known for her right-handed batting and right-arm medium pace bowling.

International Career

• Made her debut in One Day International (ODI) cricket in 2000.

Veer Pratap Singh

Early Life and Career

• Born in Nalanda in 1992.
• Indian cricketer specializing in right-arm medium seam bowling.

Domestic and IPL Career

• Plays first-class cricket for West Bengal.
• Has represented Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Anukul Rai

Early Life

• Born on November 30, 1998, in Bhirha village, Samastipur district, Bihar.

Domestic and IPL Career

• Represents Jharkhand in domestic cricket.
• Plays for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Youth Career

• Part of the Indian team that competed in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

Arvind Kumar Sinha

Early Life

• Born in Nawada in 1954.

Chess Career

• FIDE Master, recognized by the World Chess Federation.
• One of Bihar's top chess players.
• First and only FIDE Master from Bihar as of 2008.

Achievements

• 7th place in the Commonwealth Chess Championship in 1986 held in London.
• Bihar Champion in 1981, 1983, and 1983.

Contributions to Chess in Bihar

• Chess Trainer, helping to develop new talent in the region.
• Honorary Secretary of the All Bihar Chess Association (ABCA), promoting chess in Bihar.

Sriram Jha

Early Life and Career

• Born in Madhubani in 1976.
• Indian Chess Grandmaster known for his significant contributions to chess in India.

Notable Achievements

• Competed in the FIDE World Cup 2009, showcasing his skills on an international platform.
• Represented India’s ‘C’ team in the Asian Team Chess Championship 2003, which won a bronze medal.
• Won the Indian Championship of Rapid Chess in 2014, demonstrating his proficiency in faster formats of the game.

Rashmi Kumari

Early Life and Career

• Born in Bihar.
• International carrom champion with numerous titles to her name.

National Championships

• Sub-Junior National Champion in 1997.
• Junior National Champion in 2000 at Faridabad.
• Senior National Champion 8 times (2004, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014).

International Championships

• 4th World Cup Carrom Championship in 2014 (Maldives).
• Various other international titles.

Nirupama Pandey

Early Life

• Born in Siwan, Bihar.
• Indian mountaineer known for her remarkable achievements in climbing.

Notable Achievements

• First person from Bihar to scale Mount Everest on May 25, 2011.
• Successfully climbed Mt Stok Kangri and Mt Gulab Kangri in Leh, Mt Kamet and Mt Abhigamin in Garhwal, and Mt Saser Kangri in Ladakh.

Honors

• Received the Ati Vishishth Khel Samman from the Government of Bihar for her outstanding contributions to mountaineering.

Major Initiatives in Sports in Bihar

• The Sports Facilitation Programme honors athletes who have represented India in international competitions or have won medals at the national level during the National Sports Day.
• The Mukhyamentri Khel Vikas Yojana includes the Eklavya Rajya Awasiya Khel Prashikshan Kendra Scheme, which is currently active in Bihar. This initiative operates approximately 29 Eklavya Rajya Awasiya Khel Prashikshan Kendras across 16 districts, with plans to open 6 more centers soon.
• The ‘Come and Play’ Scheme is being implemented in Bihar, offering sports fields and equipment to athletes in 9 different sports disciplines.
• In 2016-17, approval was granted for conducting training camps at Manoj Kamalia Stadium in Patna.
• Under the ‘Khelo India’ Programme, competitions for women were organized at the district and state levels in nearly 10 sporting disciplines.
• The State Government has proposed the construction of a Gymnasium Cum Sports Complex, equipped with multi-gym facilities and modern sports equipment for indoor games like wrestling and taekwondo. This complex aims to promote physical fitness and encourage competitions at the district level.
• The Directorate of Youth Welfare and Sports is responsible for the overall development of youth in Bihar.
• To develop the State’s Sports Policy, a task force comprising experienced sports administrators, local athletes, officials from national organizations, and Arjun Award winners has been formed. This task force will provide recommendations for sports development in the state, guiding the formulation of the Sports Policy.

Awards and Honours

The Bihar Government recognizes and honors individuals from various fields for their outstanding contributions on occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, and other significant events. Awardees receive cash prizes, citations, and shawls.

Literature Awards by Different Academies in Bihar

The state government has set up 11 academies to honor artists and writers in Bihar. These academies also promote different art forms and languages. The academies are:

• Sangeet Natak Academy
• Lalit Kala Academy
• Hindi Granth Academy
• Bangla Academy
• Tribal Language Academy
• Maithili Academy
• South Indian Language Academy
• Sanskrit Academy
• Urdu Academy
• Bhojpuri Academy
• Magadhi Academy

Other Significant Awards from the Bihar Government

Awards from the Bihar Department of State Language

• Chanakya Prize: For outstanding work in Political Science.
• Mandan Mishra Prize: For contributions in Religion and Philosophy.
• Vidyapati Prize: For Lok Sahitya written in Hindi.
• Aryabhatt Prize: For achievements in Science.
• Upendra Maharathi Prize: For excellence in Art and Sculpture.
• Ayodhya Prasad Khatri Prize: For work in Hindi Language and Script.
• Kashi Prasad Jaiswal Prize: For contributions to History and Sanskrit.
• Raja Radhika Raman Prasad Singh Prize: For outstanding work in Novel and Story writing.
• Shiv Pujan Sahai Prize: For Literature, Remembrance, and Travelogue.
• Rambriksha Benipuri Prize: For excellence in Drama and Stage performances.
• Kedarnath Mishra ‘Prabhat’ Prize: For exceptional Poem writing.
• Nalin Vilochan Sharma Prize: For outstanding Review writing.
• Gorakhnath Singh Prize: For contributions to Economics.
• Dr. Sachidanand Sinha Prize: For work in Law Literature.
• Amarnath Jha Prize: For excellence in Children Literature.
• Radha Mohan Award: For contributions to Contemporary Art.
• Kumud Sharma Award: For outstanding work as a Female Artist.
• Sita Devi Award: For excellence in Folk Art.
• Phanishwar Nath Renu Prize: For Regional Story Writing and Literature.

Bharat Ratna Awardees from Bihar

• Bidhan Chandra Roy: Awarded in 1961 for Public Affairs.
• Dr. Rajendra Prasad: Awarded in 1962.
• Jayaprakash Narayan: Awarded posthumously in 1999.
• Bismillah Khan: Awarded in 2001 for Music.

Padma Vibhushan Awardees from Bihar

• Fazl Ali: Awarded in 1956.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan: Awarded in 1980.

Padma Bhushan Awardees from Bihar

• Syam Nandan Sahaya: Awarded in 1957 for Literature and Education.
• Ramdhari Singh Dinkar: Awarded in 1959 for Literature.
• Shiv Pujan Sahai: Awarded in 1960.
• Vindhyeshwari Prasad Verma: Awarded for contributions in Medicine.
• Dr. Dukhan Ram: Awarded for contributions in Medicine.
• Prof. Mohd Abdul Hai: Awarded in 1964.
• Dr. Bishnupada Mukhopadhyaya: Awarded in 1971.
• BN Sircar: Awarded in 1972 for Art.
• Balai Chand Mukhopadhyaya: Awarded in 1975.
• Mekhala Jha: Awarded in 1981 for Social Work.
• Ashok Kumar: Awarded for prominence in Yoga.
• Swami Niranjanananda Saraswati: Awarded in 2017 for prominence in Yoga.
• Dr. Smt. Sharda Sinha: Awarded in 2018.
• Hukumdev Narayan Yadav: Awarded in 2019.

List of Padmashri Awardees from Bihar (After 1990)

• 1991: RS Narayan Singh Deo (Arts), Syed Hassan, Sharda Sinha
• 1992: Chittu Tudu, Acharya Ramamuriti
• 2003: Shailendra Nath Shrivastava, Vijay Prakash Singh
• 2004: Gopal Prasad Sinha
• 2005: Bilat Paswan Vihangam
• 2006: Sudha Varghese
• 2007: Gajendra Narayan Singh
• 2008: Shyam Narayan Arya
• 2009: Ravindra Nath Shrivastava
• 2010: Rabindra Narain Singh, Hari Uppal
• 2011: Mahasundari Devi, Pranab K Sen (Civil Service)
• 2012: Jitendra Kumar Singh
• 2013: Jagdish Prasad Singh
• 2014: Biman Bihari Das, Mohan Mishra
• 2015: Narendra Prasad
• 2016: Ravindra Kumar Sinha (Wildlife Conservation)
• 2017: Baua Devi (Science of Engineering), Manas Bihari Verma (Science of Engineering)
• 2018: Manoj Bajpayee (Acting), Rajkumari Devi (Agriculture)
• 2019: Bhagirathi Devi (Agriculture), Godawari Dutta (Agriculture), Jyoti Kumar Sinha (Agriculture)

Other National Awardees from Bihar

• Jai Prakash Narayan: 1965, Raman Magasaysay Award
• Ramdhari Singh ‘Dinkar’: 1988, Jnanpith Award
• Dada Saheb Phalke Award: 1990, Jyoti Prakash Nirala (Posthumously)
• Ashoka Chakra: 2005, Jyoti Prakash Nirala (Posthumously)