Key Takeaways
- The Bihar Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 matches have been rescheduled to early hours to prevent potential disruptions caused by a significant insect infestation.
- Hockey India is taking proactive measures to ensure player and fan safety, including advanced drone operations, intensive fumigation protocols, and international-standard treatments.
- The Rajgir stadium is surrounded by paddy fields, which harbor large numbers of insects, but the Bihar State Government has implemented comprehensive environmental management measures to ensure optimal playing conditions.
Rajgir: The Asian Hockey Federation and hosts Hockey India have announced that all matches of the Bihar Women’s Asian Champions Trophy Rajgir 2024 have been rescheduled to early hours to prevent potential disruptions caused by a significant insect infestation particularly when flood lights are on.
Under the revised schedule, the first match of each day will begin at 12:15 PM IST, followed by the second match at 2:30 PM IST, and the final match at 4:45 PM IST.
Previously, matches were scheduled for the evening, with the first match set to begin at 03:00 PM IST, the second at 05:15 PM IST, and the last match at 7:30 PM IST.
The decision was taken in consultation with the organising committee who took feedback from the respective teams and after observing consecutive training sessions under the floodlights that saw a huge amount of insect infestation.
The Rajgir stadium is surrounded by paddy fields, which during this season harbor large numbers of insects. To ensure optimal playing conditions, the Bihar State Government has implemented advanced drone operations, intensive fumigation protocols, and international-standard treatments.
Using the protocols followed in similar situations around the globe, seven types of chemicals such as Cyphenothrin, Deltamethrin, and Cyfluthrin, among other cold sprays have been used in and around the stadium complex.
Dr Dilip Tirkey, President of Hockey India, said, “Our priority is the safety of players, fans and everyone involved with this prestigious tournament. Hockey is being played at a new venue, and we want to ensure that we maintain high standards, while ensuring a smooth and exciting experience not only for teams but also for the people of Bihar who have been eagerly waiting for this tournament.”
