Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to take centre stage in Indian rugby as the iconic Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, prepares to host the 10th Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championships for Under-15 boys and girls in January 2026. The championship, organised by Rugby India in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the Department of Sports & Youth Services (DSYS) and the Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), marks the return of National Rugby Championships to the state, further cementing Odisha’s reputation as a leading hub for grassroots and high-performance sport.
Recognised as one of India’s premier sporting venues, the Kalinga Stadium has previously hosted several national and international sporting events. While Odisha successfully staged the Junior and Senior National Rugby Championships in 2021, the Sub-Junior Nationals will now be held at the state’s flagship stadium, offering young athletes early exposure to a world-class sporting environment at a crucial stage of their development.
The Girls’ Championship will be held on January 16 and 17, 2026, followed by the Boys’ Championship on January 20 and 21, 2026. The four-day competition will see participation from 24 states in each category, bringing together nearly 600 Under-15 players from across the country to compete in the fast-paced Rugby Sevens format.
Beginning in 2024, the Sub-Junior Nationals underwent a significant transformation with the transition from touch rugby to a modified contact format, along with a shift in the age group from Under-14 to Under-15. The move was aimed at introducing players to the physical aspects of the game at an appropriate developmental stage, supported by structured coaching and safety protocols. The change has helped widen the talent pool and build confidence among young athletes entering the national pathway.
Director, Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, Dr. Yeddula Vijay, IAS, said that sport is deeply woven into Odisha’s identity, with rugby growing alongside the state’s evolution as a modern sporting destination. He noted that hosting the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championships at the Kalinga Stadium reflects Odisha’s commitment to nurturing young talent, strengthening grassroots pathways and providing athletes with environments that inspire confidence and excellence.
Highlighting the significance of the championship, Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, said the Sub-Junior Nationals represent the first national platform for many players, where confidence is built and ambition takes shape. He thanked the Government of Odisha for its continued commitment to grassroots sport and youth development, noting that hosting the event at the Kalinga Stadium gives young athletes an early sense of excellence.
Teams will compete through a structured league phase with three teams per group, followed by knockout rounds. Classification matches will ensure meaningful game time for all participating teams, reflecting Rugby India’s focus on competitive exposure, learning and long-term player development.
ORFA President Priyadarshi Mishra said that hosting the Sub-Junior Nationals at Kalinga Stadium aligns with Odisha’s long-term vision for sport, providing young players with a national platform while strengthening the foundation of rugby development in the state and across the country.
The Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championships remain a cornerstone of Rugby India’s national development pathway, playing a vital role in identifying emerging talent, strengthening state programmes and preparing players for progression into junior and senior national competitions, while reinforcing the sustainable growth of rugby in India.
