Patna: Bihar is set to host the FIH Hockey Pro League for the first time, with men’s matches featuring India, Germany and Argentina scheduled to be played in Patna and Rajgir between February 13 and 18, 2027.
The tournament will mark another major international hockey event for the state after it successfully hosted the Asian Men’s and Women’s Hockey Championships in Rajgir. According to the Bihar State Sports Authority, the opening match of the Pro League will be played between India and Germany.
Patna to Debut as an International Hockey Venue
For the first time, Patna is expected to stage international hockey matches at the B.P. Sinha Physical Education College campus in Rajendra Nagar, where a new astroturf facility has been developed.
Ravindran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, said the strong public response during previous international tournaments in Rajgir encouraged authorities to bring elite hockey to the state capital.
He said the plan is to inaugurate the Patna venue with the Hockey Pro League, subject to the completion of remaining work within the next six months.
Infrastructure Upgrades Underway
Officials said the international-standard hockey facility has been developed at an estimated cost of Rs 8.44 crore.
A blue astroturf imported from the Netherlands has already been installed at a cost of around Rs 2 crore and carries a five-year guarantee. Four floodlights have been erected, while sprinkler systems and underground pipelines have also been completed.
To accommodate spectators, temporary tiered seating with a capacity of more than 4,000 people is planned for the Patna venue, following a model used at international sporting events in several countries.
Rajgir to Continue Hosting International Fixtures
Rajgir will remain a key venue for the tournament. The city has an international-standard hockey complex with two astroturf pitches—one for training and another for competitive matches—and seating for around 4,000 spectators.
The venue has previously hosted both the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship and the Asian Men’s Hockey Championship.
Rajgir’s Successful Track Record
Rajgir has already established itself as an international hockey destination through successful continental tournaments.
India won the Asian Women’s Hockey Championship on November 20, 2024, defeating China 1–0 in the final. The men’s team followed with victory in the Asian Men’s Hockey Championship on September 7, 2025, beating South Korea 4–1 to lift the title.
Officials believe hosting the FIH Hockey Pro League will further strengthen Bihar’s position as a venue for international sporting events while expanding access to top-level hockey in the state.
