Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Sunday inaugurated the much-anticipated Rajgir Cricket Stadium in Nalanda district, calling it a “new chapter in Bihar’s sporting history.” The Chief Minister unveiled the plaque, cut the ribbon, and toured the pavilion and grounds to mark the formal opening of the state’s first international-standard cricket facility.
Constructed on an 18-acre site with a capacity of around 40,000 spectators, the Rajgir Cricket Stadium has been built to the standards of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). It features modern amenities, including player pavilions, VVIP and media stands, coach and manager boxes, and a high-capacity drainage system.
The ground comprises 13 pitches—six prepared using red soil brought from Maharashtra and seven made from Mokama’s black soil, known for its bounce. Officials said the stadium is ready to host domestic matches and will soon be fit for international fixtures.
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आज माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री @NitishKumar जी के कर-कमलों से भवन निर्माण विभाग द्वारा निर्मित #राजगीर क्रिकेट स्टेडियम के पवेलियन और क्रिकेट ग्राउंड का भव्य लोकार्पण संपन्न हुआ।
माननीय मुख्यमंत्री जी ने फीता काटकर और शिलापट्ट का… pic.twitter.com/6bUcDMNbJW
— Building Construction Dept. Bihar (@BcdBihar) October 5, 2025
“The Rajgir stadium will not only elevate Bihar’s sports culture but also establish the state as a key player on India’s sports tourism map,” CM Nitish said while interacting with athletes. He added that the stadium would boost local employment and bring economic growth to the region.
Following the inauguration, the Chief Minister distributed government job selection letters to 87 athletes who won medals in national and international competitions under the “Bring a Medal, Get a Job” scheme. Of these, 39 were women and 48 men, including 10 who were appointed as sub-inspectors of police.
In addition, 812 players, coaches, and sports officials received sports honorariums totalling Rs 8 crore at a ceremony held at the State Sports Academy in Rajgir. The Chief Minister also presented symbolic cheques of Rs 75 lakh to international athlete Shailesh Kumar, Rs 35 lakh to Bobby Kumar, and Rs 10 lakh to Goldie Kumari.
CM Nitish praised the dedication of Bihar’s athletes, saying, “Our players are bringing glory to the state on national and international platforms. We are committed to supporting them with better infrastructure, facilities, and opportunities.”
A short film highlighting the stadium’s construction and Bihar’s expanding sports infrastructure was screened during the event.
Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary, Rural Development Minister Shravan Kumar, Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, and several senior officials and MLAs attended the inauguration.
Officials from the Sports Department confirmed that the Rajgir Cricket Stadium will serve as the state’s central training and match venue, with the potential to host Ranji Trophy games and eventually international tournaments.
The Chief Minister ended his visit by encouraging young athletes to “dream big and make Bihar proud on the global stage.”
