Author: Bihar Say | Amrita |

From Dreams to Podiums: Bihar Government Announces ₹20 Lakh Sports Scholarship for Athletes in 2026

What if talent never lost a medal because of money?
In 2026, Bihar is making that promise real.

As the new year approaches, the Bihar government has delivered one of its biggest gifts to young athletes. Through an expanded Bihar Sports Scholarship 2026, players can now receive financial support ranging from ₹5 lakh to ₹20 lakh annually. As a result, thousands of aspiring sportspersons finally see a future without financial barriers.

Bihar Sports Scholarship 2026: A Game-Changer for Young Athletes

To begin with, the Bihar government has officially announced the new phase of the ‘Saksham’ and ‘Udaan’ Scholarship Schemes. These initiatives aim to nurture elite talent and build global-level athletes from the state.

According to Ravindran Shankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), the vision is clear. The government wants players to focus on performance, not expenses. Therefore, the scholarship removes financial stress and promotes international exposure.

Moreover, the schemes operate under the inspiring slogan “Dil Se Khelo, Milkar Jeeto.”
Consequently, sports in Bihar are no longer limited to passion alone. They now offer a viable career path.

Understanding ‘Saksham’ and ‘Udaan’ Yojana in Bihar

Importantly, both scholarship schemes serve different categories of athletes.

Saksham Yojana: Supporting National-Level Performers

First, the Saksham Scholarship targets athletes who have proven themselves at the national stage. This includes participants from National Championships and All India University Games.

Under this scheme:

• Athletes receive up to ₹5 lakh per year

• The support helps with training, equipment, diet, and recovery

• The focus remains on consistency and long-term performance

As a result, national-level players gain stability and confidence to aim higher.

Udaan Yojana: Fueling International Ambitions

On the other hand, the Udaan Scholarship focuses on international achievers. Athletes who have represented India at the Olympics, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games qualify for this elite support.

Under Udaan:

• Players receive up to ₹20 lakh annually

• Funds support foreign training, international coaching, and advanced nutrition

• Athletes can plan global exposure without financial limitations

Therefore, Bihar now actively invests in medal-winning potential.

Who Is Eligible for the Bihar Sports Scholarship?

However, not every athlete qualifies automatically. The government has set clear eligibility rules.

To apply:

• The sport must be officially recognized (Angikrit)

• It must feature in the Olympics, Asian Games, or Commonwealth Games

• The athlete must have ranked:

  • Top 8 in individual events

  • Top 4 in team events

Notably, in the previous year, 236 athletes from Bihar received this scholarship. Many of them won medals at national platforms. Hence, expectations for 2026 remain high.

Online Application Process: Simple, Transparent, Digital

Meanwhile, the application process remains fully online. This ensures transparency and speed.

Key Dates to Remember

• Application Start: 1 January 2026

• Last Date: 15 January 2026

Athletes must apply through the official BSSA portal.

During registration:

• Upload performance certificates

• Provide medal details and rankings

• Submit verified competition records

Afterward, an expert committee reviews every application. Only genuine and verified athletes make the final list. Thus, merit stays at the center of selection.

How the Scholarship Will Transform Bihar’s Sports Culture

Beyond money, this scholarship changes mindsets.

According to BSSA officials, financial security motivates athletes to commit fully. Consequently, families now view sports as a serious profession. Additionally, players can invest in:

• Professional coaching

• Sports science and physiotherapy

• High-quality equipment

• Nutrition and recovery programs

Over time, this ecosystem builds champions. Hence, Bihar moves closer to becoming a true sporting powerhouse.

Why This Scholarship Matters Beyond Sports

More importantly, this initiative reshapes Bihar’s identity.

For decades, talented players struggled due to limited resources. Now, the narrative is shifting. Talent meets opportunity. Dreams meet infrastructure. Bihar meets the global sporting stage.

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