Rajgir Sports Academy gets Asian Hockey Federation affiliation

Rajgir Sports Academy received official affiliation with the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF), a move announced by International Hockey Federation (FIH) President Tayyab Ikram.

The announcement came during a panel discussion titled ‘ Grassroots to Glory‘ held on the final rest day of the Asian Cup 2025 at the Rajgir Sports Complex.

Ikram expressed his personal connection to the academy’s mission. “On behalf of global hockey, today I announce that Rajgir Sports Academy receives official affiliation from the Asian Hockey Federation from today,” he said during a conversation with Raveendran Sankaran, Director General & CEO of the Bihar State Sports Authority.

The sprawling 90-acre Rajgir Sports Complex, located in the Nalanda district of Bihar, offers facilities for 22 other sports in addition to hockey.

The event also featured other prominent figures. Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh encouraged the young athletes.

“Forget about what stalwarts have done in the past. We are living in a different time now, your time. Think about the tricolour and work with honesty, and medals will come,” he said during the panel discussion titled ‘ Building a strong ecosystem in India’, moderated by  Sportstar editor Ayon Sengupta.

Former Indian women’s team captain Rani Rampal urged the players to make the most of the facilities and the opportunity to watch the Indian team play. “Just realise what kind of facilities you’re getting,” she told them. “Do not waste this opportunity, give your best… try to become a player who can make India win.”

Raveendran highlighted Bihar’s resurgence in hockey. “For the last 30 years, Bihar’s hockey has been living under a rock,” he stated. “A new state association was launched one and a half years ago and… this year we organised a State championship [where] more than 450 kids participated. Bihar will produce players for the national team very soon.”

Published on Sep 06, 2025