Patna: Chief minister Nitish Kumar on Friday inaugurated the Hero Asia Hockey Cup 2025 at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda district. The opening took place on National Sports Day, which marks the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand. Before the start of the tournament, Kumar offered flowers to Dhyan Chand’s picture as a tribute.
The stadium in Rajgir was packed with hockey fans, who greeted the chief minister with cheers and waves. Before the opening match between India and China, he met the players of both countries and encouraged them. The national anthems of India and China were sung, and a group photograph was taken with both teams. The moment reflected both the sporting spirit and the cultural importance of the event.
This year’s Asia Cup has brought together eight leading teams: India, Japan, China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Bangladesh and Chinese Taipei. Over the next ten days, 24 matches will be played at the Rajgir Hockey Stadium, with the final scheduled for 7 September. To spread the excitement, the trophy had earlier travelled across several districts of Bihar and different states in a “Trophy Gaurav Yatra”, aimed at promoting hockey among the wider public.
Before the hockey ceremony, Kumar also inspected the under-construction cricket stadium at the Rajgir Sports Complex. He climbed to the fifth floor to view the seating and other facilities and was briefed on the progress of the work. Officials told him that the stadium was being built with modern amenities, including proper arrangements for players, spectators and the media. Kumar instructed them to complete the work with high standards of safety and comfort.
The inauguration was attended by ministers, senior officers, sports officials, players from all participating countries and thousands of fans. For Bihar, the event was more than just a tournament — it was a chance to host an international sporting spectacle and showcase Rajgir as an emerging hub for sports in India.
