Why in News?
Bihar achieved a record 12 medals at the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand (2025) — 1 Gold, 6 Silver, and 5 Bronze — all won by homegrown athletes, marking the state’s best-ever independent performance.
Gold Medal: Women’s team in Lawn Bowls (Commonwealth Games sport).
Notable Silvers:
Anshika Kumari – Women’s Recurve Archery (against Deepika Kumari).
Aakash – Fencing (Foil) – Bihar’s first-ever fencing medal.
Women’s Rugby team – Silver (vs Odisha).
Wushu – 1 Silver.
Yogasana – 1 Silver.
Bronzes:
Aakash – Fencing (additional bronze).
Wushu – 1 Bronze.
Modern Pentathlon – 2 Bronzes.
Other discipline – 1 Bronze.
First time Bihar’s medal tally was achieved entirely by athletes trained within the state (previous tallies included borrowed athletes).
Reflects success of Bihar Sports Department & Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) reforms, including:
Structured training programs.
Athlete welfare measures (medical, logistical, psychological support).
Fair selection processes via IOA Ad hoc Committee.
PT Usha (IOA President) praised Bihar’s progress, calling it a “strong emerging sporting state.”
Boosts morale ahead of Khelo India Youth Games 2025, which Bihar will host.
Part of a long-term sports ecosystem transformation with focus on talent development, infrastructure, and policy reforms.