Asia Rugby Under-20 Sevens Championship 2026 Set for Kalinga Stadium in Odisha

Kalinga Stadium to Host Major Rugby Event

Bhubaneswar (Odisha), November 14: The Kalinga Stadium in Odisha is gearing up to host the Asia Rugby Emirates Under-20 Sevens Championship 2026. This exciting two-day international tournament will feature ten teams, including both men's and women's squads. Odisha's Sports Minister, Suryabanshi Suraj, expressed his delight at the state's opportunity to host this championship after an eight-year hiatus, noting that eight local players will be part of the tournament.

"We are thrilled to welcome the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship back to Odisha after eight years. Over the next two days, the Kalinga Stadium will be alive with international competition featuring ten teams, including both men's and women's squads. It is particularly encouraging that eight players from Odisha will be participating," Suraj stated during a press briefing. He also mentioned plans to incorporate rugby into the CM Trophy as part of a talent identification initiative.

Ghaith Jalajel, the Asia Rugby Competition Manager and Under-20 Tournament Director, emphasized the championship's role in nurturing young talent and providing a pathway for athletes to advance to senior national teams. "The Asia Rugby Emirates Under-20 Sevens Championship serves as a crucial stepping stone for young players in Asia Rugby. It connects age-grade competitions with senior levels. Our annual Sevens Trophy and Sevens Series complement the Under-18s, and the Under-20s create opportunities for young athletes aspiring to represent their countries at the international stage," Jalajel explained.

Gerald Prabhu, Secretary General of Rugby India, highlighted Odisha's significant role in the sport's growth in India, calling the Under-20 competition vital for the future of rugby in the country. "This event is crucial for Indian Rugby and for Odisha. Our roots are deeply embedded in Odisha, which has consistently contributed to Rugby India by producing talented players. The awareness of rugby in Odisha is widespread," Prabhu remarked.

The tournament will feature 17 teams from 10 different nations across Asia, with 10 teams competing in the men's category and seven in the women's category. The nations participating include India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, and Jordan.