Indian Women's Rugby Team Prepares for 2026 Asian Games in Kolkata
Preparation for the Asian Games
The Indian senior women's rugby sevens team has initiated a vital training camp at the Sports Authority of India's Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre in Kolkata, gearing up for the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. This facility in Salt Lake has consistently served as the team's training hub before significant international events.
Tournament Details
The Indian squad is set to participate in the women's rugby sevens tournament at the Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium in Nagoya from October 1 to 3. They have been placed in Pool B, competing against defending champions China, Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia.
Confidence from the Coaching Staff
During a media briefing at SAI Kolkata, coach Terence Joseph expressed optimism about the team's readiness for the challenges in Japan. He emphasized the significance of the Asian Games and the importance of executing their strategies effectively. Joseph noted, 'SAI Kolkata has been our training base for the past three years.'
Team Leadership's Perspective
Captain Shikha Yadav shared her coach's confidence, stating, 'We aim to carry our recent form from the Asia Rugby Sevens series into the Asian Games. Instead of succumbing to pressure, we will focus on our fundamentals and maintain our composure.'
Continuity from Previous Competitions
Several players from the previous Asian Games squad, including Shikha, Dumini, Kalyani Patil, Vaishnavi Patil, Mama Nayak, and Sandhya Rai, are part of the current team heading to Aichi-Nagoya. The SAI Kolkata facility was also utilized before the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2022, where the women's team secured a seventh-place finish.
Support from SAI Kolkata
The ongoing camp, which runs until September 24, aims to finalize the core team and refine tactical strategies against some of Asia's top teams. Regional Director Sibananda Mishra highlighted the comprehensive support provided by SAI Kolkata, ensuring that both men's and women's teams receive high-quality training resources.
High-Performance Training Environment
Currently, 20 players are undergoing rigorous training at the national coaching camp, which has been sanctioned by the Sports Authority of India with a budget of ₹19.8 lakh. The Government of India has approved a total of 492 athletes across 35 disciplines for the Aichi-Nagoya Games, with women's rugby comprising 13 athletes.
A New Chapter for Women's Rugby
This training camp signifies more than just preparation; it represents a commitment to developing team dynamics, tactical systems, and overall conditioning under the guidance of South African head coach Paul Delport. The structured high-performance environment marks a significant advancement for women's rugby in India, showcasing their readiness to compete against established teams in Asia.
Historical Context
India's participation in the Asian Games is part of a broader journey, having made its debut in women's rugby sevens at the Guangzhou Games in 2010. After missing the 2014 and 2018 editions, the team returned to compete in Hangzhou in 2022, finishing seventh.