Rajgir: In a historic first for Bihar, the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship 2025 is set to take place in the ancient city of Rajgir on August 9 and 10, marking the state’s debut on the international rugby stage.
The prestigious tournament will feature the top eight men’s and women’s teams from across Asia, including India, Hong Kong, China, UAE, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia (men), and Nepal (women). The event is expected to be a major milestone in Bihar’s growing sporting credentials.
Teams will begin arriving in Rajgir on August 7, with a grand opening ceremony scheduled for 8 August at the Kabaddi Hall of the Rajgir Sports Complex. The ceremony will showcase Bihar’s rich cultural heritage alongside the international spirit of sport.
Former India rugby captain and actor Rahul Bose welcomed the move, crediting Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s vision for promoting non-traditional sports in the state. “This is a milestone in Bihar’s sporting journey. For a state not traditionally known for sports, this is a huge step forward,” he said.
The tournament includes participation from only the top eight ranked teams out of Asia’s 32 rugby-playing nations, ensuring high-level competition. Bihar will also have local representation in the Indian squad, with state players expected to inspire the next generation of athletes.
Rugby is among the 14 priority sports in Bihar. The state’s women’s team recently secured a silver medal at the National Games, while boys and girls teams have excelled in school-level competitions across various age groups.
