PATNA: Bihar has taken a major step toward strengthening its swimming ecosystem by exploring international best practices in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, as part of a broader push to modernise aquatic sports in the state. A high-level delegation led by Sports Minister and Olympian Shreyasi Singh attended the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Annual General Assembly on Republic Day, where Bihar also received official accreditation to participate in global sports initiatives .
During the visit, discussions focused on upgrading swimming infrastructure, improving athlete development systems, and introducing advanced training methods. One of the key outcomes was an agreement in principle to send Bihar’s national swimming champion Mahi Shwet Raj abroad for elite-level training, backed by the World Swimming Federation. (Source – The Times of India)
Officials also explored hosting national-level swimming competitions in Bihar and building long-term partnerships between the Bihar Sports Department, Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), Swimming Federation of India, National Swimming Federation, and the World Aquatics Federation. These collaborations are expected to be formalised soon through a Memorandum of Understanding .
“Direct engagement with global sports bodies will accelerate Bihar’s rise in competitive swimming,” a senior official noted, highlighting the state’s distinction as the first in India to collaborate directly with the Olympic Council of Asia and World Aquatics Federation (The Times of India).
Beyond sports, the delegation also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at the Tashkent Declaration memorial, marking a symbolic cultural moment during the visit.
If implemented effectively, insights from Tashkent could mark a turning point in Bihar’s swimming journey—helping nurture talent, raise competitive standards, and place the state on the national and international aquatic sports map.
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