Patna: Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday unveiled the mascot ‘Ashok’ and the logo for the upcoming Asia Rugby (Under-20) Championship 2025, set to be held in Rajgir on August 9 and 10. Kumar expressed pride in Bihar hosting the prestigious event for the first time, calling it a milestone for the state’s growing sports culture.
Nitish emphasized that Bihar’s rugby players are rapidly excelling at the national level and that this global tournament will inspire the youth and elevate Bihar’s sporting identity on the international stage. The championship, organized by the State Sports Department, will feature nine countries, including India, China, UAE, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia (men only), and Nepal (women only).
The tournament will be held at the State Sports Academy-cum-Bihar Sports University in Rajgir, a venue developed with world-class infrastructure. All teams will arrive by August 7 and stay in Rajgir, offering a fusion of sports and local culture. A grand opening ceremony will take place on August 8 at the Kabaddi Hall.
The mascot ‘Ashok’, inspired by Emperor Ashoka, symbolizes leadership, vision, and determination, while the logo creatively reflects Bihar’s heritage, nature, and youthful energy through a blend of traditional and modern design.
Highlighting Bihar’s rising status in rugby, Nitish recalled the state’s recent achievements in National and School Games. The event, supported with ₹4.08 crore by the state cabinet, is expected to give Bihar’s athletes a global platform and further embed rugby as one of the state’s 14 priority sports.
