Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 Trophy Unveiled in Bhubaneswar
Trophy Unveiling for Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], November 13: The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 trophy was officially revealed on Friday by Suryabanshi Suraj, the Sports Minister of Odisha, in anticipation of the two-day international tournament set to take place on November 14-15 at Kalinga Stadium.
Tournament Overview
This tournament will feature 17 teams from 10 different countries in Asia, with 10 teams competing in the men's division and seven in the women's division. The nations participating include India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, and Jordan, as stated in a press release from the organizing committee.
Minister's Remarks
Sports & Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed, “Odisha is thrilled to host the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 in Bhubaneswar. Our ongoing investment in sports infrastructure and our commitment to hosting significant events demonstrate our goal to create opportunities for athletes at all levels. We are also dedicated to discovering talent at the grassroots level, nurturing young athletes, and providing them with the necessary training and support to succeed nationally and internationally. We extend a warm welcome to all teams and officials participating in this championship.”
Significance of the Event
Gerald Prabhu, a member of the Executive Committee of Asia Rugby and Secretary General of Rugby India, noted, “Hosting events like the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens is crucial for the growth of rugby in India. It offers high-quality competition on home soil, allowing Indian players to challenge themselves against formidable international teams and motivating more youth to engage in the sport. With international rugby returning to Odisha after eight years, this championship also serves as a chance to enhance the state's growing connection with rugby. We appreciate the support from the Government of Odisha, the Department of Sports & Youth Services, Asia Rugby, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association in facilitating this event.”
CEO's Perspective
Benjamin van Rooyen, CEO of Asia Rugby, stated, “India is progressively solidifying its status as an emerging rugby nation in Asia, with increasing participation, development initiatives, and a growing presence on the international stage. Hosting the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 further cements this advancement and provides a vital platform for the next generation of Indian players to compete against the best age-grade teams in the region. Odisha, with its excellent sports facilities and experience in hosting major international events, is an ideal location for this competition. Asia Rugby sincerely appreciates Rugby India's efforts in making this event in India a reality, along with the support from the Government of Odisha and all involved stakeholders.”
Competition Format
The men's competition consists of 10 teams divided into two pools, while the women's competition includes seven teams across two pools.
Men's Competition Groups
Group A: Hong Kong China, India, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, and Nepal.
Group B: Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Jordan.
Women's Competition Groups
Group C: Hong Kong China, Malaysia, and Thailand.
Group D: India, Sri Lanka, Singapore, and Nepal.
Return of International Rugby to Odisha
The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 signifies the return of international rugby to Bhubaneswar after an eight-year hiatus, with the last event held in 2018.
Odisha has been enhancing its association with rugby by hosting several national-level competitions in 2026, including the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, the National Rugby 15s Championship, and the ASMITA National League. The state has also contributed five players to India's women's rugby team for the Asian Games.
This championship follows India's hosting of the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series in Rajgir, Bihar, in October 2026, marking the country's second consecutive international U20 rugby event.
With the trophy now unveiled and final arrangements underway, Bhubaneswar is prepared to welcome teams from across Asia for two days of thrilling international rugby at the renowned Kalinga Stadium on November 14 and 15.