Sports

Cricket is the most popular sport in Bihar, widely played and followed across the state. From streets and villages to schools and stadiums, cricket is deeply connected with the daily life of people.Cricket is played at grassroots levels, especially in villages and small towns. The game is managed by the Bihar Cricket Association, which is affiliated with the Board of Control for Cricket in India. Bihar participates in major domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy.After a long gap, Bihar was reintroduced into BCCI domestic cricket in 2018, which boosted the sport’s growth. Local tournaments and school competitions help in identifying young talent. Cities like Patna, Muzaffarpur, and Bhagalpur are key centers for cricket activities.

Hockey is not traditionally the most dominant sport in Bihar, but it has a growing presence and strong grassroots interest. In rural areas, a local form of hockey (sometimes called “foda-genda”) has been played for decades, showing the natural passion for the game among villagers.Hockey in Bihar is emerging and evolving. With increasing government support, better infrastructure, and growing interest among youth, the state has strong potential to become an important contributor to Indian hockey in the future.

Badminton in Bihar has grown steadily over the years, becoming one of the popular sports among youth and school-level athletes. Though traditionally not as dominant as some other Indian states in badminton, Bihar has been making consistent progress through improved infrastructure, coaching, and participation. The Bihar Badminton Association plays a key role in organizing tournaments, selecting players, and promoting the sport at district and state levels. Various inter-school, district, and state championships are held regularly to identify and nurture talent. Cities like Patna, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur have seen the development of indoor badminton courts and training centers, encouraging more young players to take up the sport professionally. The influence of national icons such as P. V. Sindhu and Saina Nehwal has also inspired many aspiring players in Bihar to pursue badminton as a career.

The Bihar football team is an Indian football team representing Bihar in Indian state football competitions including the Santosh Trophy.Bihar has produced a few brilliant footballers who have significantly contributed to Indian football. Though football is not the most significant sport in the state, these players have really come out shining on national as well as international levels.