Bhubaneswar: India’s U20 Women’s rugby team made an impressive start to the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, registering three consecutive victories to book a place in the semi-finals. The Indian men’s team also had a mixed opening day, securing two wins from three matches and will need to win its final group-stage fixture on Sunday to progress to the knockout stage.
The tournament was formally inaugurated by Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who released ceremonial balloons ahead of the opening match between India and Uzbekistan in the men’s category.
India’s U20 Men’s team began its campaign on a winning note, defeating Uzbekistan 33-14. After conceding the opening points, the hosts fought back strongly, with captain Pushpender scoring two tries. Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram and Subash Hansdah contributed one try each. Rahul Majhi scored two conversions, while Bharat Kisan and Rajan Rawat added one conversion apiece.
However, India faced a tough challenge against defending champions Hong Kong China, suffering a 0-45 defeat in its second match. The team bounced back in style in its final fixture of the day, registering a commanding 50-0 win over Nepal. Pushpender led the scoring with three tries, taking his tally to five for the day, while Charan Hembram scored twice. Rahul Majhi, Subash Hansdah and Ajit Nag also added tries. Bharat Kisan scored two conversions, while Rahul Majhi, Rajan Rawat and Aman contributed one each.
The Indian U20 Women’s team, meanwhile, dominated all three of its opening-day encounters, beginning with a 69-0 victory over Nepal. India followed it up with a 53-0 win against Singapore before completing the day with a 34-0 triumph over Sri Lanka.
Sumitra Murmu was India’s leading scorer with 31 points, including three tries and eight conversions. Dipali Tathe contributed 26 points through four tries and three conversions, while Khushi Devi added 20 points with four tries. Reflecting the team’s collective attacking strength, every member of the Indian women’s squad scored at least one try during the day.
With an unbeaten record, the Indian women’s team will now face Malaysia in the semi-final at 11.34 am on November 15. Hong Kong China and Sri Lanka will compete in the other semi-final.
The men’s team will take on Chinese Taipei in its final group-stage match at 9 am on Sunday. The outcome will determine India’s chances of entering the semi-finals.
The two-day tournament will conclude on November 15, with the medal matches in both men’s and women’s categories scheduled from 4 pm onwards at Kalinga Stadium.
