Asia Rugby Championship Set to Make a Comeback in Odisha
Asia Rugby Championship Returns to Odisha
After an eight-year hiatus, international rugby is making its way back to Odisha. The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 is scheduled to take place at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on November 14-15. This announcement was celebrated with the unveiling of the championship's official logo by the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Rugby India, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association. The last time Odisha hosted an international rugby event was during the Asia Rugby U18 Girls Sevens Championship in 2018. This upcoming championship is significant for the state, as it will feature teams from 10 nations in both men's and women's categories.
Championship Identity and Teams
The logo for the championship is inspired by Odisha's traditional Jhoti Chita art, merging cultural heritage with a vibrant sporting identity. It showcases a semi-circular design with a rugby ball at its center, symbolizing the dynamic nature of rugby sevens while honoring the host state's culture. This event is also a pivotal moment for the Indian U20 Men’s and Women’s teams, who will compete on home turf against emerging rugby talents from Asia. The Indian U20 Women’s team is returning after securing a bronze medal in the 2025 edition held in Rajgir, Bihar, and aims to improve upon that performance in Bhubaneswar.
Official Statements
Bhupendra Singh Poonia, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department, expressed, "Odisha has consistently supported rugby development by hosting national competitions and creating opportunities for athletes. The Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship not only brings international rugby back to our state but also provides a vital platform for young players to showcase their skills. We are excited to welcome the participating nations to Bhubaneswar and anticipate an exhilarating championship at Kalinga Stadium."
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), remarked, "The return of international rugby to Odisha after eight years is a landmark event for Indian rugby. Bhubaneswar has played a crucial role in the sport's development, and hosting this championship allows our U20 Men’s and Women’s teams to compete at home against some of Asia's best emerging teams. We appreciate the support from the Government of Odisha and the Sports & Youth Services Department and look forward to hosting all participating nations in Bhubaneswar."
Venue and Squad Details
The championship builds on a busy year of rugby at Kalinga Stadium, which hosted three national-level competitions in 2026: the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, the ASMITA Rugby League - National, and the National Rugby 15s Championship - Division 1. The Asia Rugby championship will add an international flair to the venue's rugby calendar.
Indian Squads
The selected Indian U20 Men’s and Women’s squads for the championship are as follows:
**India U20 Men’s Squad:** Pushpender (C), Rajan Rawat (VC), Ajit Nag, Aman, Arun Prajapat, Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Naman Yadav, Rahul Majhi, Rohit Kumar, Subash Hansdah
**India U20 Women’s Squad:** Tanushree Bhosale (C), Mamali Singh (VC), Akshaya NS, Anita Murmu, Anushka Sankpal, Dipali Tathe, Khushi Devi, Kirti Jadhav, Aditi Sakharam Londhe, Saloni Kumari, Samruddhi Kadam, Sumitra Murmu.
The 2026 championship will see participation from 10 nations: India, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, and Jordan. The men's competition will feature 10 teams, while seven teams will compete in the women's category over the two-day event at Kalinga Stadium.