Patna: The State Sports Academy in Rajgir is set to receive recognition from the Asian Hockey Federation, with the International Hockey Federation pledging support for its development, according to the federation’s president, Tayyab Ekram.
Speaking at a seminar titled Grassroot to Glory – All About Hockey at the Rajgir Sports Academy, Ekram stressed the need to nurture local coaching talent in India and Asia. “There is no lack of talent among coaches here, but we must identify them and provide facilities at par with international standards, including financial support,” he said.
The event, organised by the Sports Department and the Bihar State Sports Authority, brought together experts to discuss women’s hockey, the role of sports science and technology, training, coaching, and grassroots-level development.
Ravindran Shankar, Director General and CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, highlighted the state’s grassroots sports initiative Mashal, the world’s largest talent search competition. He reaffirmed Bihar’s commitment to supporting players through jobs, financial rewards, and scholarships under the Prerna Yojana, which provides up to Rs 3,00,000 for kits, nutrition, and training.
Former Indian women’s player Preetam Rani called on young athletes to persevere despite limited facilities, while Hockey India General Secretary Bhola Nath Singh encouraged players to “play with understanding, dedication and a true heart.”
The seminar was held on a rest day of the Hero Asia Cup 2025, currently underway at the Rajgir Sports Complex from August 29 to September 7, marking the first time the international tournament has been hosted in Bihar.
