Patna: The Bihar Sports Department is conducting selection trials across 16 districts to identify promising young athletes and connect them with structured training facilities. The trials cover archery under the Eklavya State Residential Sports Training Centre and badminton and taekwondo under District Centres of Excellence.
The initiative focuses on identifying sporting talent at an early stage, particularly from smaller towns and districts, and providing selected players with opportunities for specialised coaching and further competition.
Archery Trials Across 11 Districts
Archery trials for the Eklavya State Residential Sports Training Centre are being conducted from August 16 to 19 for boys and girls aged 12 to 14 years.
The schedule covers 11 districts over four days. Trials are being held in Siwan, Bhagalpur and Aurangabad on August 16; Motihari, Katihar and Nawada on August 17; Gopalganj, Purnia and Jehanabad on August 18; and Banka and Gaya on August 19.
The gender categories vary by district. Siwan, Motihari and Gopalganj will conduct trials for boys, while Bhagalpur, Katihar and Banka will hold trials for both boys and girls. Aurangabad, Nawada, Jehanabad and Gaya will conduct trials for girls.
Badminton Trials in Banka, Munger and Katihar
The Sports Department is also conducting badminton selection trials from August 16 to 18 under the District Centre of Excellence programme.
Players in the 16–18 age group, including both boys and girls, can participate.
The trials are scheduled at the following venues:
- August 16: Indoor Stadium, Banka
- August 17: Indoor Stadium, Munger, near the bus stand
- August 18: Indoor Stadium, Katihar
Both boys and girls can participate at all three venues.
Taekwondo Trials in Two Districts
Taekwondo trials will also provide an opportunity for young athletes in the 16–18 age group.
The trials are scheduled for August 17 at BSS Collegiate Plus-Two in Begusarai and August 18 at the Sports Building in Kishanganj. Boys and girls will be eligible to participate at both locations.
Documents Required for Selection
Players appearing for the trials must carry the prescribed documents to establish their identity, age, education, sports background and residence in Bihar.
The required documents include Aadhaar card, birth certificate, school certificate, sports certificate, passport-size photographs and Bihar residence certificate.
Players must meet the prescribed age criteria to participate. However, athletes who have won medals or participated in recognised national or international competitions may receive up to two years of age relaxation, subject to applicable rules.
Creating a Pathway for Grassroots Athletes
The programme aims to identify and nurture sports talent across Bihar, especially in smaller towns and districts. Archery players will train at the Eklavya Centre, while badminton and taekwondo athletes will use District Centres of Excellence, creating a pathway from grassroots to competitive sport.
Building Bihar’s Sports Talent Pipeline
Early identification and structured training can play an important role in developing athletes capable of competing at district, state, national and eventually international levels.
The current trials in archery, badminton and taekwondo therefore serve not only as a selection exercise but also as part of Bihar’s effort to create a more organised pathway for young sporting talent.
For eligible players, the immediate priority is to reach the designated venue with the required documents and participate in the selection process on the scheduled date. The programme could give talented athletes from different parts of Bihar access to training opportunities that may otherwise remain difficult to reach.
