Rajgir's Transformation into a Sports Destination

Rajgir, an ancient city renowned for its Buddhist pilgrimage sites, is rapidly establishing itself as a significant player in the national sports arena. This transformation is largely due to the development of a state-of-the-art sports complex, the Bihar Sports University, and various other sporting facilities, including an international cricket stadium currently under construction.

The Building Construction Department has spearheaded numerous projects aimed at enhancing sports activities in Rajgir, creating a modern sports complex and university that accommodates both indoor and outdoor sports.

Bihar Sports University, the first of its kind in the state and the sixth in the country, is located in Rajgir. The sports complex has significantly elevated Bihar's profile in the sports sector, having successfully hosted events like the Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy 2024, the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 across five cities, and the Sepak Takraw World Cup 2025 at Patliputra Sports Complex in Patna.

The Rajgir sports complex features facilities for 33 different indoor and outdoor sports, including wrestling, weightlifting, volleyball, badminton, archery, shooting, kabaddi, judo, taekwondo, boxing, cricket, football, hockey, basketball, handball, athletics, cycling, and swimming (50m x 25m).

Additionally, a dedicated hockey practice turf has been established for players. The complex includes a modern academic building with offices for university officials and a 242-seat auditorium, along with separate hostels for male and female athletes, a transit hostel, and residential accommodations for coaches.

The sports complex also provides residential facilities for the Director, Deputy Director, and staff, as well as a treatment facility for athletes' injuries. Secretary of the Building Construction Department, Kumar Ravi, emphasized that the Rajgir Sports Complex is a flagship project that offers comprehensive training and practice facilities for various sports.

Ravi noted that the playing fields were constructed to meet national and international standards, and despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was completed on schedule.

A significant portion of the sports facilities has been finalized, with several multi-purpose indoor halls constructed for various sports. Recently inaugurated facilities include an indoor hall, basketball court, handball court, volleyball court, and a hockey practice turf. During the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, five sports were held at the Rajgir Sports Complex.

The world-class hockey turf, featuring astro turf imported from Australia and a sprinkler system from Germany, successfully hosted the Women’s Asian Hockey Champions Trophy last year, showcasing its international standards. The architecture of the sports complex draws inspiration from the historic Nalanda University, making it both functional and visually appealing.

The aim is to provide a world-class platform for the youth of Bihar, with the Men’s Hockey Hero Asia Cup 2025 set to take place at the Rajgir hockey turf. An international cricket stadium with a capacity of 40,000 spectators is also under construction, with work progressing rapidly.