Rajgir Set to Open Bihar’s First Astro Turf Hockey Ground

Rajgir: The long wait for Bihar’s hockey players is finally coming to an end with the near completion of the state’s first astro turf hockey ground in Rajgir. The construction of this much-anticipated facility is in its final stages and is expected to be ready within a month, marking a significant milestone for the region’s sports infrastructure.

Kumar Ravi, Secretary of the Building Construction Department, visited Rajgir on Saturday to review the progress of the Rajgir Sports Complex project. “The Rajgir Sports Complex is in the advanced stages of construction, offering facilities for hockey, volleyball, handball, basketball, tennis, swimming, table tennis, athletics, and football,” he said.

This new development means that Bihar’s hockey players will no longer need to travel to other states to practice on turf. Ravindran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, highlighted the significance of this advancement, stating, “For the first time, players in the state will be able to play hockey on astro turf.”

The Rajgir facility, designed to host national level matches, will accommodate around 3,000 spectators on its comfortable brick staircases. Additionally, the sports complex includes a state-of-the-art stadium providing facilities for a variety of sports, including volleyball, handball, basketball, football, athletics, swimming, and lawn tennis. A cricket stadium within the complex will offer seating for up to 40,000 spectators, promising a comprehensive sports hub for the region.

Astro turf, an artificial grass made from synthetic fibers, is known for its durability and strong grip. It is particularly beneficial for games traditionally played on grass as it maintains integrity during play and is kept moist through periodic watering, enhancing playability.