Odisha Women’s Rugby Team Clinches Gold, Men Bag Bronze at National Games

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Women’s Rugby team claimed a sensational gold-medal victory, outplaying Bihar in a gripping final match with a score of 12-7 at the 37th National Games. Demonstrating their prowess, the Women’s Rugby team exhibited a dominant performance, securing a triumph over Bihar with a score of 12-7. Their commendable display of skill remained consistent throughout the tournament, leading them to the finals after a resounding 37-0 victory against West Bengal.

Head Coach Manas Kumar Jena reiterated the pivotal role of the team’s defensive unity and seasoned composition in their exceptional performance. Notably, four women from the Odisha squad, namely Hupi Majhi, Dumuni Marandi, Tarulata Nayak, and Mama Nayak, had previously represented India in the Asian Games held in China.

In a parallel contest, the Men’s Rugby Team secured the bronze medal with a stellar performance against West Bengal. Displaying remarkable determination, the Men’s Rugby Team triumphed over West Bengal in a crucial battle, clinching the bronze following a tightly contested semi-final match against Maharashtra, where they narrowly lost 12-14.

Expressing optimism for the Men’s team’s future prospects, Head Coach Manas Kumar Jena said, “We have received tremendous support that has enabled us to train and prepare for the event. Additionally, we have an exceptional group of support staff who have played a crucial role in helping us realize our potential.”