Bihar Triumphs at 10th Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship

The 10th Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship concluded with Bihar defeating Maharashtra to claim the title. Odisha secured third place, showcasing impressive talent in the U15 category. The tournament highlighted the growing rugby scene in India, with standout performances from various teams and players. As the focus shifts to the upcoming Boys U15 Championship, the excitement for youth rugby continues to build.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 18, 2026, 01:56 IST

Exciting Conclusion to the Rugby Championship

The 10th Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship wrapped up at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on January 17, showcasing the finest Under-15 girls' rugby talent in India.

Bihar emerged victorious against the defending champions, Maharashtra, while the host state Odisha secured a commendable third place in front of a lively local audience, as reported.

During the knockout rounds on the second day, teams competed fiercely for rankings, with top teams aiming for semifinal spots. Bihar continued its impressive form, defeating Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu (DNHDD) with a score of 43-7, while Odisha dominated Karnataka with a staggering 55-0 victory.

Chandigarh put up a strong fight but lost to Rajasthan 17-7, and Maharashtra narrowly defeated West Bengal 24-5, setting the stage for an exciting semifinal lineup. In the semifinals, Bihar showcased its strength with a 35-0 win over Rajasthan, while Maharashtra staged a comeback to beat Odisha 17-14 in a thrilling match that kept the home fans on their toes.

In the Bronze Medal Playoff, Odisha rebounded impressively, overpowering Rajasthan 47-5 to secure third place, demonstrating their squad's depth and disciplined gameplay. The final was a rematch of last year's championship.

In the title match, Bihar faced Maharashtra once again, claiming a decisive 34-7 victory, avenging their previous loss and marking their fifth title win in six years in this category.

The tournament featured 24 teams that collectively scored around 1,800 points, with 112 individual scorers, reflecting the expanding talent pool at the U15 level.

Senior players from various states contributed as coaches and managers, mentoring the young athletes and fostering a professional competitive atmosphere. Notably, DNHDD and Chandigarh achieved top-eight finishes for the first time.

DNHDD secured fifth place by defeating Karnataka 14-5, while Chandigarh finished in eighth. Sumi Gagarai from Odisha was the tournament's top scorer with 104 points, followed by Bihar's Komal Kumari and Roshani Kumari with 66 and 56 points, respectively.

With the Girls' U15 tournament concluded, the focus now shifts to the upcoming Boys U15 Championship, set for January 20-21, 2026, promising another thrilling weekend of youth rugby.