Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 Matches Rescheduled Due To Safety Concerns

Asian Hockey Federation and hosts Hockey India have announced that all matches of Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 have been rescheduled to early hours to prevent potential disruptions caused by a significant insect infestation particularly when flood lights are on.

Under revised schedule, first match of each day will begin at 12:15 PM IST, followed by second match at 2:30 PM IST, and final match at 4:45 PM IST. Previously, matches were scheduled for evening, with first match set to begin at 03:00 PM IST, second at 05:15 PM IST, and last match at 7:30 PM IST.

decision was taken in consultation with organising committee who took feedback from respective teams and after observing consecutive training sessions under floodlights that saw a huge amount of insect infestation.

stium is surrounded by pdy fields, which during this season harbor large numbers of insects. Bihar State Government proactively implemented comprehensive environmental management measures at venue, including vanced drone operations, intensive fumigation protocols, and international-standard treatments to ensure optimal playing conditions. Using protocols followed in similar situations around globe, seven s of chemicals such as Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin, and Cyfluthrin, among or cold sprays have been used in and around stium complex.

Dr Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, said, "Our priority is safety of players, fans and everyone involved with this prestigious tournament. Hockey is being played at a new venue, and we want to ensure that we maintain high standards, while ensuring a smooth and exciting experience not only for teams but also for people of Bihar who have been eagerly waiting for this tournament."