New Delhi [India], August 29 : The Women's Asian Champions Trophy will be hosted in the city of Rajgir in Bihar. The event will be a joint venture between Hockey India and the Bihar Government and will be held at the newly-developed Rajgir Hockey Stadium from November 11 to 20.
Last year, Hockey Jharkhand successfully hosted the Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Ranchi, where the hosts India clinched the title. Besides the Defending Champions India, reigning Olympic Silver-medalists China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Thailand are expected to participate in the marquee tournament.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar extended a warm welcome to the international teams set to participate in the prestigious continental event.
"I am very happy and delighted to extend the support of Bihar Government to host the 8th Women's Asian Champions Trophy. We extend a very warm welcome to the international teams participating in the prestigious event. We hope the hockey teams, officials and hockey fans travelling for this event will enjoy the hospitality of our people, we will ensure no stone is left unturned in making this event a grand success," Nitish Kumar was quoted in a release from Hockey India as saying.
Elated to announce the host nation, Dato Fumio Ogura, President of Asian Hockey Federation said, "I am delighted to announce that the 8th Women's Asian Champions Trophy will be held in India. I extend my profound gratitude to Hockey India for taking up the responsibility to host this marquee event after successfully hosting the Men and Women's Asian Champions Trophy in India last year. I am confident that the event in Rajgir, Bihar will be a huge success similar to the previous edition held in Ranchi, Jharkhand."
Expressing his gratitude to the Bihar Government, Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India said, "Hockey India is very excited to host the prestigious Women's Asian Champions Trophy in Bihar. This is a historic moment for hockey as this is the first time an international hockey tournament is being held in Bihar. We are grateful to Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) and the Bihar Government for the incredible opportunity and support to host the event."
Echoing the sentiments of hockey fans, Bhola Nath Singh, Secretary General of Hockey India said that it is a great moment for Indian Women's Hockey since the Asian Champions Trophy is being held in India for the second consecutive time.
"It is a great moment for Indian Women's Hockey that back-to-back Asian Champions Trophy is being held in India. We hosted a very memorable event in Ranchi last year and we will ensure a grand event in Bihar as well. Hockey India is tirelessly working towards developing women's hockey across the country and we believe taking an event of this stature to Bihar will help inspire children to take up the sport. We look forward to welcoming all the international teams and hockey lovers to Bihar," Bhola Nath said.
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