State level wrestling tournament begins in Bihar

A two-day state-level wrestling event titled “Maati Ka Bal – Dangal” began on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Jamui’s Sri Krishna Singh Memorial Stadium, with close to 200 wrestlers participating.

Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the event in the presence of Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh and Bihar Wrestling Association President Vishal Singh.

The tournament, jointly organized by Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) and Bihar Wrestling Association, has five men’s weight categories, namely 50 to 60 kg, 60 to 70 kg, 70 to 80 kg, 80 to 90 kg and 90 kg and above, and two women’s weight categories, namely 50 to 60 kg and 60 kg and above. This is the second tournament held last year.

In his speech, Mr. Choudhary said, “I am extremely happy and proud to witness this historic wrestling event on Jamui soil.”

He further added, “Mati Ka Bal: Dangal, held for the first time in Jamui, is a platform for social and cultural unity. Bringing to life the traditional wrestling of Bihar, this competition is an amalgamation of tradition, courage and culture of Bihar.”

Mr. Choudhary asserted that infrastructure for development of sports is being rapidly built across Bihar so that more international level athletes can be produced in Bihar.

“We are committed to promoting prosperity in Bihar in the spirit of sportsmanship and the Central and State governments are jointly making every possible effort and support to achieve this.” Choudhary said.

A total of 188 wrestlers, 162 men and 26 women, are participating in the tournament. The mace, manufactured in 1954, has become a symbol of excellence in the sport ever since it was presented to wrestler Vishwanath Singh with the title of ‘Bihar Kesari’ in 1975.

While greeting people and thanking the organisers, Ms Singh, who is also the local MLA, said: “I was very excited when I heard the news of the Dangal competition being held in Jamui because the land of Jamui is full of sporting talents. Athletes here excel in every sport.”

He further added, “Bihar is also creating its own identity internationally in the field of sports. The government is committed to the all-round development of sports and we are continuously providing all possible support and efforts to achieve this.”

Commonwealth Games gold medalist shooter Ms Singh maintained that her dream and goal is to ensure that as many players as possible from Bihar participate in the Olympics in the future.

“As a sportsperson and sports minister, I assure you all that no effort will be spared to help Bihar reach new heights in the field of sports,” the lady said. he said. Singh said.

Mr. Singh also greeted everyone present at the opening ceremony. Details of the first day matches were not shared by BSSA until the report was submitted.