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Patna, 11 November 2024: Bihar marked a historic moment in sports as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship Trophy in Rajgir. The grand opening took place at the State Sports Academy and Bihar Sports University-cum-State Sports Complex in Rajgir, where the Chief Minister symbolically released balloons to kick off the tournament. The event witnessed the national anthems of all participating countries, creating an atmosphere of unity and excitement. Six national teams—India, Malaysia, Japan, Korea, China, and Thailand—are competing in this international championship, with players and spectators alike visibly enthusiastic about the prestigious event.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar welcomed the players and audience with a warm wave, following which team captains from all six countries joined him for a group photograph. After the inaugural event, he toured a gallery within the complex, which featured cultural displays in multiple languages, showcasing the rich history of Rajgir and Bihar’s recent developments. The gallery highlights major initiatives such as the State Sports Academy, the Ganga Water Supply Project, Rajgir Zoo Safari, Nature Safari, Convention Center, Malmas Fair, and Rajgir Integrated Building.
The Chief Minister also inaugurated an athletic track and football field within the Rajgir Sports Academy-cum-University campus. After the inauguration, he inspected the facilities, including the basketball court and athlete accommodations, and received briefings from officials about the available facilities and amenities. Kumar further reviewed the administrative buildings of Bihar Sports University and the State Sports Academy, including offices for the Registrar, Controller of Examinations, and Vice-Chancellor.
This is the first time that Bihar is hosting an international-level women’s hockey championship. Organized by the Department of Sports, Bihar State Sports Authority, Hockey India, and the Asian Hockey Federation, the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy is a proud moment for the state. Running from 11th to 20th November, the tournament will take place at the hockey grounds of Rajgir Sports Complex. Extensive arrangements have been made to ensure the safety, accommodation, and hospitality of all teams and players.
In addition to the sporting arrangements, the Department of Sports has also organized cultural visits for the participating teams, showcasing Bihar’s rich historical, spiritual, and cultural heritage. Teams will be taken on guided tours to notable attractions in Gaya and Rajgir, providing them with an enriching experience of Bihar’s cultural legacy.
Key dignitaries who attended the event included Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, Member of Parliament Kaushalendra Kumar, MLAs Jitendra Kumar and Shrikrishna Murari Sharan (also known as Prem Mukhiya), MLC Reena Yadav, former MLA Chandrasen, former MLC Raju Yadav, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary Dr. S. Siddharth, and other senior officials. They were joined by DG of Bihar State Sports Authority Ravindran Shankaran, Director of Sports Department Mahendra Kumar, Patna Divisional Commissioner Mayank Barwade, and other senior officials and representatives from the police and administrative departments, as well as coaches, players, and numerous sports enthusiasts.
This international event is a significant achievement for Bihar, as it highlights the state’s growing prominence in the sports arena and reinforces its commitment to promoting sports and culture on a global stage.