Asian Hockey Champions Trophy Reaches Nalanda Ahead Of Tournament

Asian Hockey Champions Trophy (Women) reached world herit site of Nalanda Mahavihara in Bihar on Monday amid much fanfare.

Hundreds of sports enthusiasts and schoolchildren gave a boisterous welcome to trophy.

tournament, which is being jointly organised by Hockey India and Bihar government, will be held at newly-developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium between vember 11 and 20.

Besides India, or participating countries are China, Thailand, Malaysia, South Korea and Japan.

trophy will be taken to various places in district for public display to encour youth, especially women, and also for popularising event, officials said.

" trophy was earlier taken to Punjab , Haryana , Odisha and Jharkhand . After that, it was taken to almost all districts in Bihar, and it will reach Rajgir on vember 10. It's a prestigious event for Bihar. It's a mega festival for people of Bihar," Bihar State Sports Authority Director-General Ravindran Shankaran said.

"Our stadium at Rajgir, where matches will be played, is fully prepared as per guidelines of International Hockey Federation. We can even host 2026 Hockey World Cup in Rajgir," he added.

trophy was received at world herit site by DM Shashank Shubhankar, SP Bharat Soni, and or senior officers of Nalanda district along with Shankaran.

Nalanda Mahavihara, located about 95 km souast of Patna, comprises archaeological remains of a monastic and scholastic institution dating from 3rd century BCE to 13th century CE. Nalanda is most ancient university of subcontinent, according to UNESCO.

"It's a matter of great happiness that Women's Asian Champions Trophy, 2024 is being organised at Rajgir. All arrangements have been made to provide best possible facilities for players, tourists and people coming from outside for event," DM said.

He said translators have been engd for fans and players coming from China, Japan and South Korea so that y don't have to face any difficulties while interacting with locals.

SP said comprehensive security arrangements have been made for event.

"A foolproof security plan has been chalked out for each team. teams are supposed to arrive here from vember 7. Additional forces and escort vehicles will be deployed for security of players right from hotels, where y will be staying, to stadium. Also, CCTV cameras have been installed at all strategic locations in city," he said.