The Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024 is creating a buzz in Bihar, as the trophy makes its way through historic locations in the state, including a grand stop at Nalanda Mahavihara. The tournament, hosted by Rajgir’s newly constructed hockey stadium, runs from November 11 to 20, 2024, and features top teams from Asia, including defending champions India, along with China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea, and Japan.
This high-profile event, organized by Hockey India with support from the Bihar Government, is drawing crowds of hockey fans and locals alike, who gathered in large numbers to welcome the trophy at Nalanda—a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of India’s oldest universities.
Trophy Tour through Bihar
Ahead of the tournament, the trophy has been touring key locations across Bihar, aiming to build excitement, especially among young sports enthusiasts and aspiring female athletes. According to Bihar State Sports Authority Director General Ravindran Shankaran, the trophy traveled through hockey-dominant states like Punjab, Haryana, Odisha, and Jharkhand before arriving in Bihar. It has since been showcased across nearly every district and will conclude its tour at the Rajgir Stadium on November 10.
“Bringing this prestigious event to Bihar is a celebration of our culture and sporting spirit,” Shankaran stated. He noted that the new Rajgir Stadium, constructed to meet International Hockey Federation standards, is ready for the tournament and even has the potential to host larger events like the 2026 Hockey World Cup.
Rajgir Prepares for an International Audience
With teams arriving from November 7 onward, the District Magistrate and local administration are committed to ensuring that Rajgir and Nalanda are fully prepared to welcome international guests. District Magistrate Shashank Subhankar shared that translators have been appointed for visiting players and fans from countries like China, Japan, and South Korea to bridge language barriers and help everyone experience the local culture smoothly.
“The Women’s Asian Champions Trophy being held here is not only exciting for hockey fans but also a matter of pride for Bihar,” said Subhankar. “We’ve ensured the best arrangements for players, tourists, and international visitors to make them feel at home.”
High Security Measures in Place
Security is a top priority for this tournament, with Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni detailing an extensive security plan to protect teams, fans, and officials. Special security forces, CCTV cameras, and dedicated escort vehicles will be deployed from hotels to the stadium and throughout key areas of Rajgir to ensure a safe event.
Teams from China, South Korea, and Japan will arrive in secure escorts, with the police force closely monitoring all movements to safeguard players and guests.
Nalanda Mahavihara and Rajgir’s Tourism Appeal
Located 95 km from Patna, the ancient Nalanda Mahavihara site, where the trophy was recently displayed, is a significant historic site that represents centuries of learning. The site has become a unique attraction for fans, blending sports with Bihar’s cultural heritage.
With the tournament bringing international attention to Rajgir, the state aims to make this a memorable experience for both locals and visitors, building a stronger presence in the world of hockey and sports tourism.
