There was much enthusiasm and fanfare as the trophy for the upcoming Women’s Asian Champions Trophy 2024 to be held in Bihar’s Rajgir made a stop at the state’s Lakhisarai on Thursday.
India is hosting the biennial hockey championship for the second time, this time between 11 and 20 November. The tournament will see the participation of Asia’s six best performers – India, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea, and Thailand.
The prestigious cup was received at the Lakhisarai border with full honours, led by an official police escort team. Upon its arrival at the main venue, it was welcomed by an energetic band performance by students, after which the trophy was unveiled.
One of the event’s highlights was the ceremonial passing of the ball, a symbolic gesture marking the journey of the championship trophy through Bihar’s districts.
Following this, the trophy embarked on a grand roadshow through the city, with crowds lining the streets. People showered flowers as the procession passed by, imbuing the road with colour and cheer.
Children from several schools participated in the celebrations.
Prominent dignitaries including the district magistrate, the city superintendent of police, the sub-divisional officer, and the district sports officer were present throughout the program.
The district magistrate personally looked after all arrangements.
As the trophy prepared to leave Lakhisarai for its next destination, Jamui, the district sports officer escorted it to the border.