Nalanda: Bihar is steadily building a new identity in the world of sports, moving beyond its image of history and tourism. This shift will be clearly visible when Rajgir hosts the Mahamana Hockey Gold Cup Tournament 2026 from January 19 to 21 at its international hockey stadium. The event is an under-16 inter-state tournament and is expected to fill the stadium with energy, competition and the hopes of hundreds of young players. Teams from seven states will take part, making it one of the most significant youth hockey events held in the state in recent years.
The tournament will feature both boys’ and girls’ teams, with a total of 16 teams competing over three days. These teams will come from Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand. More than 320 young players will get the chance to play on a national-level platform, an opportunity that is often difficult to access at such an early age. Organisers say the aim is not only to encourage competition but also to help players gain confidence and experience that will be useful at higher levels of the sport.
At a press conference in Patna, the tournament’s mascot and trophy were unveiled, adding to the excitement around the event. Rural Development and Transport Minister Shravan Kumar said that Rajgir’s international hockey stadium is gradually becoming an important centre for national sporting events. He added that Bihar is making progress in many areas and is now working seriously to promote sports by creating better facilities and hosting major competitions. The presence of former Olympian Ashok Dhyanchand is also being proposed, which would further raise the profile of the tournament.
The organisers have announced attractive prize money to motivate young players. The winning team will receive Rs 1 lakh, while the runner-up will get Rs 75,000 and the third-placed team Rs 25,000. In addition, the best player in each league match will be awarded Rs 5,000. Importantly, the same prize structure has been kept for both boys’ and girls’ teams, sending a strong message about equality and fair opportunities in sports. Individual awards such as Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Top Goal Scorer and Fair Play Award will also be given.
Bihar’s Sports Minister, Shreyasi Singh, said that such tournaments help develop discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship among young people. IPS Ravindran Sankaran, Director General of the Bihar State Sports Authority, said that the state’s sports infrastructure is improving continuously and that events like this give young athletes valuable exposure to high-level competition. To make the experience more memorable, the organisers have also arranged good accommodation, meals and visits to historical and spiritual places around Rajgir, allowing players to connect with Bihar’s rich cultural heritage along with their sporting journey.
