Patna: In the Inter-District School Athletics Championships, Umme Habiba from Patna secured the gold medal in the girls’ under-19 100-metre race, clocking 12.96 seconds and becoming the fastest runner of the event. The silver medal went to Sonam Prakash from Aurangabad (13.06 seconds), while Kusum Kumari of Rohtas claimed the bronze (14.37 seconds).
In the girls’ under-17 100-metre race, Pooja Kumari of Saran took first place, followed by Kajal Kumari of Kaimur in second, and Ananya Shri of Patna in third. In the under-14 girls’ category, Manvi Kumari from Eklavya Training Centre won gold, with Deepika Kumari and Preeti Kumari from West Champaran securing silver and bronze respectively.
The championships, organised by the Patna District Administration in collaboration with the Bihar Sports Department and Bihar State Sports Authority, were inaugurated with a vibrant ceremony at Patliputra Sports Complex. Bihar’s Sports Minister, Surendra Mehta, officiated the event by hoisting the flag and releasing balloons.
Addressing the participants, Surendra Mehta emphasised the state government’s commitment to advancing sports and athletes. He noted the expansion of sports facilities at the panchayat level and the establishment of international-standard sports academies. He expressed confidence that Bihar’s athletes would soon make their mark on the international stage, including in the Olympics and Asian Games.
Special guest Arun Kumar Sinha, MLA, encouraged the young athletes to pursue sports as a viable career, assuring them that both the state and central governments are dedicated to safeguarding the dignity and future of players.
Raveendran Sankaran, Director General-cum-Chief Executive Officer of the Bihar State Sports Authority, stated that sports are no longer confined to cities but are reaching every panchayat and school. He highlighted the formation of sports clubs across the state and the provision of necessary equipment. Sankaran also announced a talent search programme to be conducted in 40,000 middle, high, and higher secondary schools under the Torch Programme.
During the inauguration, athletes from various districts performed a captivating march-past, accompanied by the band of Patna Muslim High School. National athlete Priyanshi from Patna administered the athletes’ oath, urging them to uphold sportsmanship and adhere to the rules of the championships.
Om Prakash, District Sports Officer, Patna, presented green plants and mementoes to the distinguished guests. The guests were welcomed by Sanjay Kumar, District Education Officer, Patna, while Sameer Saurav, Deputy Development Commissioner, Patna, delivered the vote of thanks. The programme was conducted by Abhishek Kumar, NIS Instructor and Educational Teacher at Government Higher Secondary School, Panal, Patna.
Results:
Girls Under-14
High Jump
- Yasmin Parveen, Patna
- Chahat Kumari, Patna
- Sonali Verma, Siwan
Shot Put
- Pallavi Singh, Gaya
- Ismat Ara, Kishanganj
- Deepali Kumari, Gaya
Girls Under-17
High Jump
- Neema Kumari, Saran
- Ananya Pratap, Patna
- Mansi Kumari, Patna
Shot Put
- Shoumya Rai, Siwan
- Ismat Ara, Kishanganj
- Anjuman Nisha, Eklavya Training Centre
