Patna, October 2026: Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on Tuesday inaugurated the India–New Zealand Under-20 International Rugby Sevens Series at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Nalanda district.
The Chief Minister said the tournament was being organised in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for sports and to mark 100 years of bilateral sporting relations between India and New Zealand. The event is expected to strengthen sporting ties between the two countries and promote rugby and other sports in Bihar.
He said the series would encourage international sporting activities in Bihar while providing young athletes an opportunity to showcase their talent.
Exciting Matches Between India and New Zealand
Thrilling matches were held between the Under-20 men’s and women’s rugby teams of India and New Zealand, drawing enthusiastic responses from spectators.
The traditional ‘Haka’ dance performed by the New Zealand Māori team emerged as one of the major attractions of the event. The performance offered a glimpse into the sporting cultures, friendship and sporting spirit shared by the two countries.
The series is being held at the State Sports Academy in Rajgir from October 23 to 28. This is the first time New Zealand’s Under-20 rugby teams have toured India for a series of this kind.
Following the national anthems of India and New Zealand, the series was formally inaugurated. Before the matches began, players from both teams greeted the Chief Minister, shook hands with him and introduced themselves. Dhami? [Correction: Samrat Choudhary] encouraged all the players and extended his best wishes for the tournament.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister also unveiled a commemorative jersey bearing the signatures of representatives from both countries.
Rahul Bose, president of the Indian Rugby Football Union, honoured the Chief Minister by presenting him with a memento.
Ministers and Officials Attend the Event
The event was attended by Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports Raksha Khadse, Bihar Sports Minister Shreyasi Singh, MLAs Ruhel Ranjan and Rameshwar? Rameshwar? (Rameshwar/Ratnesh Kushwaha as named in the Hindi release), Legislative Council member Sanjay Mayukh and other public representatives.
Also present were New Zealand’s Acting High Commissioner to India, Matthew Hars, Bihar Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit, Director General of Police Preeta Verma, Chief Minister’s Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh, Bihar State Sports Authority Director General Ravindra Shankaran, Indian Rugby Football Union president Rahul Bose, Nalanda District Magistrate Udita Singh and Superintendent of Police Hriday Kant.
A large number of sports enthusiasts, athletes, dignitaries and officials also attended the inauguration.
