In a historic moment for Bihar’s sports landscape, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar officially unveiled the mascot for the upcoming Asia Rugby Under-20 (Sevens) Championship, which is set to take place in Rajgir on August 9 and 10. The championship will be held at the Rajgir Sports Complex, marking the first time that Bihar is hosting an international rugby event of this scale.
The newly revealed mascot, a rabbit named Ashoka, symbolizes speed and agility, qualities that are central to the fast-paced, high-energy sport of rugby sevens. The choice of a rabbit not only reflects the dynamism of the game but also adds a culturally resonant and youthful charm to the tournament’s identity. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, CM Nitish Kumar expressed his pride and optimism, stating that the event would place Bihar on the global sports map and inspire the youth to engage more actively in sports.
The Asia Rugby Under-20 (Sevens) Championship will see the participation of nine top Asian nations, including the host country India, along with Hong Kong, China, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Nepal. Both men’s and women’s teams will compete in this thrilling tournament, bringing together young, promising talent from across the continent.
The competition will be held in the rugby sevens format, a faster and more intense variation of traditional rugby. In sevens, each team fields only seven players and plays shorter matches, typically two halves of seven minutes each. This format, now also featured in the Olympics, is known for its rapid gameplay, tactical sharpness, and dramatic turnarounds, offering a gripping experience for spectators.
The unveiling event was graced by Rahul Bose, renowned actor and the President of Rugby India, who played a key role in bringing this prestigious tournament to Bihar. He commended the state government’s efforts in promoting sports infrastructure and fostering a culture of inclusivity and youth participation through global events like this. Bose highlighted the growing popularity of rugby in India and the importance of providing international exposure to budding athletes.
Hosting the Asia Rugby U-20 Championship is a significant step for Bihar, not just from a sports development perspective, but also in terms of tourism and regional pride. The scenic town of Rajgir, known for its historical and spiritual importance, is now poised to become a sports destination as well.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also extended his best wishes to the participating teams and organizing committee, emphasizing the values of sportsmanship, unity, and cross-cultural friendship that such tournaments foster. With the stage set and excitement building, Rajgir is ready to witness two days of intense rugby action that promises to leave a lasting impact on Bihar’s sporting legacy.
