Rajgir to Host Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2024 in Qualifying Event for World Cup

In a major win for Bihar, Rajgir has emerged as the host city for the upcoming Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2024, set to take place from August 27 to September 8 next year. The tournament, which serves as a qualifying event for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, will feature eight top teams, including Pakistan.

According to Ravindran Sankaran, director general of Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA), a meeting was held on Wednesday to finalize the decision, with Hockey India having previously discussed the proposal with the Department of Sports and BSSA. The government's approval has been secured for the event, paving the way for the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding.

South Korea won the last edition of the tournament in 2022, held in Jakarta, while Pakistan is expected to be a major contender this year. However, security concerns have been raised, with Sankaran assuring that all necessary arrangements will be made. "We will take care of it. We have already taken care of the Chinese team, so it won't be an issue," he said.

While organizing such a high-profile event comes with its challenges, Sankaran has planned accordingly to ensure a successful tournament. Several upgrades are in store, including the construction of a new hockey turf, upgrading existing hostel facilities, and constructing temporary spectator galleries. The latter will mimic the eco-friendly setup seen at the Paris Olympics and will be dismantled once the championship is over.

Rajgir's bid for hosting the Men's Hockey Asia Cup 2024 marks a significant milestone in the state's sports infrastructure development. As part of this initiative, efforts are being made to create an exceptional experience for players and spectators alike while ensuring environmental sustainability.