Patna: In a significant boost to its growing sporting profile, Bihar will host the Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens Championship 2025, scheduled for August 9-10 in Rajgir. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today at the Patliputra Sports Complex between Rugby India and the Bihar State Sports Authority, solidifying the agreement.
Director-General and CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority, Ravindran Shankaran, and Rugby India Secretary General, Gerald Prabhu, signed the MoU, marking a historic moment for the state. The event was also attended by key officials, coaches, and players.
Bihar’s Rugby Rise Recognized:
Ravindran Shankaran expressed immense pride in Bihar securing the hosting rights, acknowledging the state’s rapid progress in rugby. He highlighted recent achievements, including the women’s team’s silver medal at the National Games and championship wins across junior, sub-junior, and senior categories in the School Games. “Over the last three years, Bihar’s boys’ and girls’ rugby teams have won 21 gold and 5 silver medals in National School Games, National Games, and Senior Rugby Championships,” he stated, emphasizing the growing passion for the sport in Bihar.
International Sports Hub:
This event further cements Bihar’s status as a rising hub for international sports. The state has recently secured hosting rights for the Sepak Takraw World Cup, Women’s Kabaddi World Cup, Hero Asia Cup Hockey, and the Khelo India Youth Games.
Gerald Prabhu, Secretary General of Rugby India, lauded Bihar’s ability to host international events and praised its grassroots training model. “Bihar’s grassroots training model, which identifies young talent and prepares them for national and international-level competitions, is a remarkable and inspiring approach for other states,” he said.
Championship Details:
The Asia Rugby U-20 Sevens Championship 2025 will feature:
- 8 men’s and 8 women’s teams from top Asian rugby nations.
- Teams from Hong Kong China, Thailand, Malaysia, Chinese Taipei, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Kyrgyzstan, and Nepal are expected to participate.
- The championship will be held on August 9-10, 2025, in Rajgir.
This event is a significant milestone for Bihar and is expected to further enhance its reputation in the global sporting community.
