Bhubaneswar Set to Host Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship
International rugby returns to Odisha after 8 years. 10 nations will compete in the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship at Kalinga Stadium.
International rugby is making a grand comeback to Odisha after a gap of eight years. The city of Bhubaneswar is all set to host the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship on November 14-15 at the iconic Kalinga Stadium. This event marks a significant milestone for the sport in India, bringing together the finest young rugby talent from across the continent.
The announcement was officially made during a joint event where the Sports & Youth Services Department (DSYS) of the Government of Odisha, Rugby India, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association unveiled the championship's official logo. Along with the branding, the squads for the Indian U20 Men’s and Women’s teams were also announced, setting the stage for a high-octane competition on home soil.
A Cultural Blend in the Championship Logo
The visual identity of the tournament is a tribute to the host state's rich heritage. The official logo draws inspiration from Jhoti Chita, a traditional art form of Odisha. The design features a semi-circular motif with a rugby ball at its center, blending the dynamic energy of rugby sevens with the artistic elegance of Odisha's culture.
The Road to Glory: India's Aspirations
For the Indian teams, the tournament is an opportunity to showcase their progress in front of a home crowd. The Indian U20 Women’s team enters the competition with momentum, having secured a bronze medal at the 2025 edition held in Rajgir, Bihar. They will be looking to climb the podium further in Bhubaneswar.
Meanwhile, the U20 Men’s team is equally determined to put up a strong performance against some of the most competitive emerging teams in Asia.
Official Voices on the Return of Rugby
Bhupendra Singh Poonia, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, emphasized the state's commitment to the sport. He noted that Odisha has consistently supported rugby through national competitions and initiatives, and hosting this international event provides a vital platform for young athletes to showcase their skills.
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), described the return of international rugby to Odisha as a "significant moment." He highlighted Bhubaneswar's role as a key venue for the sport's growth and expressed gratitude to the state government for their unwavering support.
Kalinga Stadium: The Hub of Rugby
The Kalinga Stadium has already been buzzing with rugby activity throughout the year. In 2026, it played host to three major national events: the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, the ASMITA Rugby League - National, and the National Rugby 15s Championship - Division 1. The upcoming Asia Rugby championship now adds a prestigious international dimension to the venue's calendar.
Participating Nations
A total of 10 nations will battle it out for glory in the men's and women's categories:
- India
- Hong Kong
- Sri Lanka
- Malaysia
- Uzbekistan
- Thailand
- Singapore
- Chinese Taipei
- Nepal
- Jordan
The Indian Squads
India U20 Men’s Squad:
Pushpender (C), Rajan Rawat (VC), Ajit Nag, Aman, Arun Prajapat, Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Naman Yadav, Rahul Majhi, Rohit Kumar, Subash Hansdah.
India U20 Women’s Squad:
Tanushree Bhosale (C), Mamali Singh (VC), Akshaya NS, Anita Murmu, Anushka Sankpal, Dipali Tathe, Khushi Devi, Kirti Jadhav, Aditi Sakharam Londhe, Saloni Kumari, Samruddhi Kadam, Sumitra Murmu.