Inauguration of Hero Asia Hockey Cup 2025 by Bihar Chief Minister

Patna. Today, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inaugurated the Hero Asia Hockey Cup 2025 at the hockey stadium located in the Rajgir sports complex of Nalanda district. He paid tribute to the legendary hockey player Major Dhyan Chand by laying a floral wreath at his portrait. During the event, the Chief Minister toured the Rajgir hockey stadium, greeting both spectators and players. The stadium was filled with enthusiastic sports fans who waved at the Chief Minister, expressing their excitement. Before the match between India and China, the Chief Minister met with the players from both nations to boost their morale. The national anthems of India and China were sung during the event, and the Chief Minister also took a group photo with the players from both countries.

 

It is noteworthy that the Hero Asia Hockey Cup 2025 was inaugurated today in celebration of 'National Sports Day,' which marks the birthday of Major Dhyan Chand. Eight top Asian countries, including India, Japan, China, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Bangladesh, and Chinese Taipei, will participate in the men's hockey tournament. All matches will be held at the hockey stadium in Rajgir, concluding on September 7. To promote the spirit of hockey, a trophy tour was organized across various districts in Bihar and other states. A total of 24 matches will be played leading up to the final match on September 7, 2025.

 

Prior to the event, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar inspected the under-construction cricket stadium at the Rajgir sports complex. During the inspection, he reviewed the progress and current status of the construction work. The Chief Minister visited the fifth floor of the cricket stadium to observe the seating arrangements for spectators from above. He gathered detailed information regarding the current state of construction and the facilities to be provided. Officials informed him that the stadium is being built with a focus on essential amenities for players and spectators, as well as a media gallery, ensuring all necessary requirements are met. The Chief Minister instructed the officials to prioritize the comfort and safety of players and spectators during the construction process.

 

The event was attended by various dignitaries, including Vijay Kumar Chaudhary, Minister of Water Resources and Parliamentary Affairs, Sports Minister Surendra Mehta, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Deepak Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of General Administration and Sports Department Dr. B. Rajendra, Vice-Chancellor of Bihar Sports University Shishir Kumar Sinha, and several other officials and representatives from competing countries, along with a large number of sports enthusiasts.