Patna: Pakistan will return to Bihar for the second time in sporting history as it participates in the upcoming Hero Asian Men’s Hockey Championship, scheduled to be held in Rajgir from August 29 to September 7.
The Ministry of External Affairs has granted official clearance to the 31-member Pakistani squad, marking a significant development in Indo-Pak sports diplomacy. The announcement, confirmed by Hockey India and the Bihar State Sports Authority, has further fuelled anticipation for the international tournament.
Ravindran Shankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, said the visa process for the Pakistani contingent has already begun. “This is a proud moment for Bihar, as we welcome global teams to compete on our soil,” he added.
Historic Return to Bihar
This will be the second time a Pakistani team competes in Bihar. The previous instance dates back to March 1970, when Pakistan played a Davis Cup tennis match at the New Patna Club. India won the encounter 3–1, with the doubles pair of Jaideep Mukherjee and Premjit Lal earning praise for their performance.
A High-Stakes Encounter
The presence of the Pakistani team adds extra weight to the upcoming hockey championship, especially if they face off against India, currently ranked eighth in the world. Pakistan stands at fifteenth in the international rankings. Ajitesh Rai, former captain of the Indian hockey team and a Patna native, believes India has a strong chance at clinching the title. “With the momentum from our Olympic bronze in Paris, we’re in great form,” he said.
Spotlight on Bihar’s Sporting Rise
Rana Pratap, Secretary of the Hockey Association of Bihar, highlighted the transformation in the state’s sporting profile. “Not long ago, Bihar didn’t host even national-level events. Today, we are hosting international championships. It’s a sports revolution led by the department and DG Ravindran Shankaran,” he noted.
