Rajgir to Host 8th Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024

Event Details and Venue

• The 8th Women's Asian Champions Trophy 2024 will be held in Rajgir, Bihar, India.
• Tournament dates: November 11-20, 2024.
• Venue: Newly developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium.
• This marks the first time an international hockey tournament will be hosted in Bihar.
• The event is a joint venture between Hockey India and the Bihar Government.
• Rajgir, an ancient city famous for its holy sites and hot springs, adds cultural significance to the event.

Participating Teams and Tournament Format

• Six top Asian women's hockey teams are expected to participate.

Confirmed teams include:

• • India (defending champions and hosts)
  • China (2024 Paris Olympics silver medalists)
  • Japan
  • Korea
  • Malaysia
  • Thailand
• The tournament will follow a round-robin format.
• Top four teams will qualify for the semi-finals.
• The final is scheduled for November 20, 2024.

Historical Context and Previous Editions

• This will be the 8th edition of the Women's Asian Champions Trophy.
• The tournament series began in 2010.
• India hosted the previous (7th) edition in Ranchi, Jharkhand, from October 27 to November 5, 2023.
• The Indian team won the 2023 edition, defeating Japan 4-0 in the final.
• Republic of Korea holds the record with three championship titles (2010, 2011, and 2018).
• India and Japan have each won two titles.
• India also reached the finals in 2013 and 2018.

Official Statements and Expectations

• Nitish Kumar, Chief Minister of Bihar:
  • Expressed delight in hosting the event.
  • Promised warm hospitality for teams, officials, and fans.
  • Committed to making the event a grand success.
• Dato Fumio Ogura, President of Asian Hockey Federation:
  • Thanked Hockey India for taking responsibility to host the event.
  • Expressed confidence in the success of the Rajgir edition.
• Dr. Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India:
  • Highlighted the historic nature of hosting an international hockey tournament in Bihar.
  • Expressed gratitude to the Asian Hockey Federation and Bihar Government for their support.
• Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India:
  • Emphasized the significance of hosting back-to-back Asian Champions Trophy events in India.
  • Stated that hosting such events in different regions helps inspire children to take up hockey.