Patna: Bihar is preparing to make sporting history once again, as the ancient city of Rajgir plays host to the Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens Championship 2025, one of the continent’s most prestigious youth sporting events. Beginning on Friday, the two-day tournament will see eight men’s and eight women’s teams from across Asia compete fiercely for regional supremacy on Rajgir’s rugby field.
In all, 192 players, along with 32 coaches and 50 technical officials, are participating in the championship, representing nine countries, including powerhouses like China, Hong Kong, UAE, Kazakhstan, and Sri Lanka. For India, the tournament is particularly special, with two male players and four female players from Bihar—a matter of pride for the host state. The matches will take place over two days, 9th and 10th August, with a total of 40 fast-paced games scheduled.
The event was officially announced at a press conference held in Patna on Thursday, where Bihar’s Additional Chief Secretary for Sports, B Rajender, confirmed that Sports Minister Surendra Mehta will inaugurate the tournament. Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar will attend as the chief guest. Joining them at the announcement were Rugby India President Rahul Bose, Indian men’s team captain Sumit Kumar Roy, and women’s captain Bhumika Shukla.
Bose noted that both Indian teams have undergone rigorous training, including a one-month coaching camp in Kolkata led by world-class international coaches. Spanish coach Francisco Hernandez has trained the men’s team, while Kiano Fourie from South Africa has prepared the women’s squad. He expressed confidence in India’s performance, highlighting the players’ dedication and the high standards of preparation.
Foreign teams have already begun arriving in Rajgir, with China’s men’s and women’s squads landing first, greeted at Patna’s Jayaprakash Narayan International Airport with traditional Bihari hospitality. All teams are being housed in Rajgir under tight security. The state is also gearing up to host another major event soon—the Hero Cup Asian Hockey Championship, scheduled from 29 August at the same international sports complex.
