Rajgir Sports Complex

Rajgir Sports Complex
Rajgir Sports Complex
Interactive map of Rajgir Sports Complex
LocationRajgir, Bihar
OwnerBihar State Sports Authority
Acreage97.9 acres (39.6 ha)
Construction
Built2021
Opened29 August 2024 (2024-08-29)
BuilderShapoorji Pallonji Group

Rajgir Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar, is a sports facility.[1][2] The complex was inaugurated on August 29, 2024, coinciding with National Sports Day.[3] The complex is supported by the Bihar State Sports Authority (BSSA).[4]

It has the facilities for 28 indoor and outdoor games including cricket with facilities like a research center, motivation center, sports library, swimming pool, cafeteria.[5] This stadium also supports twenty-five games including cricket, hockey, football and swimming.[6]

Location

Situated in Nalanda district, about 100 km south of Patna, the complex spans approximately 90-97.9 acres. It was built at an estimated cost of 740-851 crore.[7][8]

Key facilities

  • Rajgir International Cricket Stadium: Under construction, it will have a seating capacity of 40,000-50,000, making it Bihar’s largest and most modern stadium, modeled after the Sydney Cricket Ground. It will serve as the home for the Bihar cricket team and host international matches.
  • Hockey Arena: The first completed facility, with Astroturf (same as used in Paris Olympics) and seating for 8,000-10,000 spectators. It hosted the 2024 Women's Asian Champions Trophy and 2025 Men's Hockey Asia Cup.[9]
  • Multi-Sport Facilities: The complex supports 23-25 sports, including hockey, football, kabaddi, volleyball, wrestling, athletics, swimming, weightlifting, table tennis, basketball, and handball.
  • Additional Amenities: Includes a sports research center, motivation center, sports library, swimming pool, cafeteria, food court, and an Art & Culture Handicraft Exhibition Gallery showcasing Bihar’s traditional crafts.
  • Design: The hockey arena features murals depicting ancient Nalanda’s legacy as a learning hub.

Bihar Sports University

Co-located within the complex, inaugurated on August 29, 2024, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.[10] It focuses on sports science, psychology, nutrition, and coaching.

Events

It hosted the 2024 Women's Asian Champions Trophy, marking its debut as an international venue. It also hosted the Asia Rugby Under-20 Championship 2025.[11][12]

See also

References

  1. ^ "The Rajgir Sports Complex, located near the historic site of Nalanda, is set to bolster Bihar's sports infrastructure with facilities for 23 different sports".
  2. ^ Bihar to construct world class cricket stadium Archived 2016-03-04 at the Wayback Machine
  3. ^ "Bihar embarks on a new sporting era".
  4. ^ "Inside Rajgir sports complex: Cradle of Bihar's sporting culture revival and dreams".
  5. ^ "राजगीर में अंतरराष्ट्रीय स्टेडियम का सीएम नीतीश कुमार ने किया शिलान्यास" [CM Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone of the international stadium in Rajgir]. Zee News (in Hindi). 12 October 2018. Retrieved 2022-03-31.
  6. ^ "Rajgir's international sports stadium, academy may be inaugurated on Bihar Diwas". Hindustan Times. 2021-09-13. Retrieved 2021-11-12.
  7. ^ "Rich history and a future hotbed of sport: How Rajgir Sports Complex is redefining Bihar's place on Indian sporting map".
  8. ^ "Discovering Rajgir through hockey: A reporter's diary of Asia Cup 2025".
  9. ^ "Rajgir Sports Complex: a blend of modernity and tradition".
  10. ^ "Bihar's first sports university gets UGC recognition".
  11. ^ "India's women team wins bronze".
  12. ^ "logo unveiled".

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