India's Women's Rugby Sevens Team Set for 2026 Asian Games in Japan

Rugby India has announced its Senior Women’s Rugby Sevens Team for the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games. Scheduled from October 1-3 in Japan, the team will compete in Pool B against formidable opponents, including defending champions China. With six players returning from the previous Asian Games, the squad aims to build on their past experiences. Head Coach Paul Delport emphasizes the importance of preparation and composure under pressure. The team has been training rigorously at a national camp, focusing on tactical systems and match readiness. Rugby India President Rahul Bose highlights the significance of this event for the athletes and the growth of women's rugby in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 21, 2026, 20:11 IST

Announcement of the Women's Rugby Sevens Team

Rugby India has unveiled the Senior Women’s Rugby Sevens Team that will represent the nation at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled from October 1-3 in Nagoya, Japan. The 13-member squad is set to compete in the Women’s Rugby Sevens event at the Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium, where India has been placed in Pool B alongside the defending champions, China, as well as Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia.

India's Journey in the Asian Games

The Asian Games signify a pivotal moment for India’s Women’s Rugby Sevens program. The team made its debut in this category at the Guangzhou 2010 Games but missed the subsequent 2014 and 2018 events. They made a comeback at Hangzhou 2022, finishing in seventh place.

Among the current squad, six players from the Hangzhou 2022 team are returning, ensuring a sense of continuity. Notable returning players include Shikha Yadav, Sandhya Rai, Mama Naik, and Dumuni Marndi, along with Kalyani Patil and Vaishnavi Patil.

Preparation and Competitive Experience

The team approaches the Asian Games after a year filled with international competitions, including their second consecutive season in the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series. India secured sixth place in Round 1 of the 2026 Series held in Suzhou, replicating their performance from the previous year. Additionally, the squad has been training at a national camp at the Sports Authority of India’s Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre in Kolkata, allowing them to focus on team dynamics, tactical strategies, conditioning, and match readiness ahead of the event in Japan.

Insights from Leadership

Head Coach Paul Delport expressed, “The Asian Games present a significant opportunity for this group, one we have been preparing for throughout the season. We understand the level of competition we will encounter, and our emphasis has been on ensuring the players maintain consistency in execution, remain calm under pressure, and trust in our preparation. The team has put in considerable effort, and we are eager to compete in Japan.”

Rugby India President Rahul Bose remarked, “The Asian Games serve as a crucial platform for our athletes to represent India, especially for our Women’s Rugby Sevens program as we return for the second consecutive time. The continuity from Hangzhou 2022 is promising, and the progress made through regular international competition has been vital for their growth. We take pride in this team and look forward to their representation in Nagoya.”

Indian Women’s Rugby Sevens Squad

The squad includes: Shikha Yadav (C), Dumuni Marndi (VC), Amandeep Kaur, Arti Kumari, Bhumika Shukla, Vaishnavi Patil, Guriya Kumari, Kalyani Patil, Mama Naik, Nirmalya Rout, Sandhya Rai, Sandhyarani Tudu, Ujjwala Ghuge.