In a proud moment for Indian sports, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar honoured the victorious Indian men’s hockey team with a cash reward of ₹2.5 crore following their triumphant campaign at the Hero Asia Cup 2025. The felicitation ceremony was held at the Chief Minister’s Secretariat in Patna on September 19, where Kumar personally handed over a symbolic cheque to team captain Harmanpreet Singh, applauding the team’s grit, discipline, and historic achievement.
India clinched the Asia Cup title by defeating South Korea in a thrilling final held at the State Sports Academy-cum-Bihar Sports University in Rajgir. The tournament, which ran from August 29 to September 7, featured eight top Asian teams including China, Japan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh, and the finalists India and South Korea.
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Hero Asia Cup 2025 – Tournament Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Host City | Rajgir, Bihar |
| Dates | August 29 – September 7, 2025 |
| Participating Nations | 8 (India, South Korea, China, Japan, Malaysia, Kazakhstan, Chinese Taipei, Bangladesh) |
| Final Match | India vs South Korea |
| Result | India won the final |
| Venue | Bihar Sports University Hockey Stadium |
The tournament marked a significant milestone for Bihar, which hosted the Asia Cup for the first time, showcasing its growing commitment to sports infrastructure and development.
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Cash Rewards Announced by Bihar Government
| Recipient Category | Reward Amount |
|---|---|
| Each Player | ₹10 lakh |
| Head Coach | ₹10 lakh |
| Assistant Coaches | ₹10 lakh each |
| Support Staff | ₹5 lakh each |
| Total Disbursed | ₹2.5 crore |
The symbolic cheque was handed over to Harmanpreet Singh, who accepted it on behalf of the 20 players and 10 support staff members.
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Key Dignitaries Present at the Felicitation Ceremony
| Name | Designation |
|---|---|
| Nitish Kumar | Chief Minister of Bihar |
| Samrat Choudhary | Deputy Chief Minister |
| Vijay Kumar Sinha | Deputy Chief Minister |
| Shravan Kumar | Rural Development Minister |
| Deepak Kumar | Principal Secretary to CM |
| Dr. S. Siddharth | Development Commissioner |
| Bhola Nath Singh | General Secretary, Hockey India |
The event also featured a documentary screening on the successful organisation of the Hero Asia Cup 2025.
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Statements from the Ceremony
| Speaker | Quote |
|---|---|
| Nitish Kumar | “This victory has brought immense pride to Bihar and the nation. We are committed to supporting sports and athletes at every level.” |
| Harmanpreet Singh | “We thank Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for this honour. The passion for hockey in Bihar is inspiring. We felt the love and support throughout the tournament.” |
| Bhola Nath Singh | “Bihar has set a new benchmark in hosting international hockey events. We look forward to more collaborations.” |
The Chief Minister also posed for a group photograph with the team and officials, celebrating the moment with warmth and enthusiasm.
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India’s Road to Victory – Asia Cup 2025 Match Highlights
| Stage | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group Stage | Malaysia | Win |
| Group Stage | Japan | Win |
| Group Stage | Bangladesh | Win |
| Semi-Final | China | Win |
| Final | South Korea | Win |
India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, showcasing dominance in both attack and defense.
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Impact of the Victory on Bihar’s Sports Landscape
| Initiative | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Hosting Asia Cup | Boosted sports tourism and infrastructure |
| Felicitation Ceremony | Inspired young athletes across Bihar |
| Cash Rewards | Set precedent for athlete recognition |
| Documentary Screening | Highlighted Bihar’s organisational capabilities |
| Future Plans | Expansion of sports academies and training centres |
The success of the Asia Cup has positioned Bihar as a rising hub for national and international sporting events.
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Previous Felicitations by Nitish Kumar
| Occasion | Reward |
|---|---|
| Women’s Hockey Asia Cup 2025 | ₹2.5 crore |
| National Games Medalists | ₹1 crore (total) |
| Para-Athletes Achievements | ₹50 lakh |
Nitish Kumar has consistently recognised sporting excellence, reinforcing his government’s commitment to athlete welfare.
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Conclusion: A Celebration of Excellence and Vision
The felicitation of the Asia Cup-winning Indian hockey team by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is more than a ceremonial gesture—it’s a powerful statement of support for sports and youth development. By awarding ₹2.5 crore in cash rewards and hosting a grand ceremony, the Bihar government has set a benchmark for recognising national achievements.
As India continues to rise in global hockey rankings, such gestures not only boost morale but also encourage future generations to pursue excellence. With Rajgir now etched in the history of Indian hockey, Bihar’s role in shaping the future of sports looks brighter than ever.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available news reports, verified government statements, and official tournament data. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, political, or sports advisory. All figures and quotes are subject to official confirmation.
