A two-day state-level wrestling event titled “Maati Ka Bal – Dangal” commenced on Saturday (February 14, 2026) at Jamui’s Sri Krishna Singh Memorial Stadium in which nearly 200 wrestlers participated.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary inaugurated the event in the presence of Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh and Vishal Singh, President of Wrestling Association of Bihar.
The tournament which has been jointly organised by Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA) and Wrestling Association of Bihar has five men’s weight categories of 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 categories of 50 to 60 kg and 60 kg and above. It is second edition of the tournament after being organised last year.
Mr. Choudhary in his address said, “I feel very happy and proud to witness this historic wrestling event on the land of Jamui.”
He further said, “The Mati Ka Bal: Dangal, being organised in Jamui for the first time, is a platform for social and cultural unity. This competition, which brings to life Bihar’s traditional wrestling, is a confluence of Bihar’s tradition, bravery, and culture.”
Mr. Choudhary asserted that infrastructure for the development of sports is being rapidly constructed throughout Bihar so that more international-level athletes can be produced in Bihar.
“It is our resolve to promote prosperity in Bihar through a spirit of sportsmanship, and the Central and State governments are jointly making every possible effort and support to achieve this,”Mr. Choudhary said.
A total of 188 wrestlers, 162 men and 26 women are participating in the tournament. Crafted in 1954, the mace has become a symbol of excellence in the sport since it was presented to wrestler Vishwanath Singh in 1975 on being conferred with the ‘Bihar Kesari’ title.
Ms. Singh, who is also the local MLA while greeting the people and thanking the organizers, said, “I was very excited when I heard about the Dangal competition being held in Jamui because the soil of Jamui is full of sporting talent. The athletes here are excelling in every sport.”
She further said, “Bihar is also establishing 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 every possible support and effort to achieve this.”
Commonwealth Games gold medalist shooter Ms. Singh asserted that the dream and goal is to ensure the participation of as many players from Bihar as possible in the Olympics in the future.
“As an athlete and sports minister, I assure you all that no effort will be spared to help Bihar reach new heights in the field of sports,”Ms. Singh said.
Mr. Singh, also greeted everyone present at the opening ceremony. Till the filing of the report, the details of first day matches was not shared by the BSSA.
Published – February 15, 2026 01:11 am IST
