Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship Set to Return to Odisha After Eight Years

International Rugby Returns to Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar (Odisha) is gearing up to welcome international rugby back after an eight-year hiatus, as it prepares to host the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 at the Kalinga Stadium on November 14-15, according to a recent announcement.

The event's official logo was unveiled in a joint ceremony involving the Sports & Youth Services Department (DSYS) of the Government of Odisha, Rugby India, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association. Alongside this, the Indian U20 Men’s and Women’s teams for the championship were also announced.

The last time Odisha hosted an international rugby event was during the Asia Rugby U18 Girls Sevens Championship in 2018. This upcoming championship is a significant milestone for the sport in the region, featuring participation from 10 nations in both men's and women's categories.

The logo for the championship is inspired by Odisha's traditional Jhoti Chita art, creatively integrating elements of the state's cultural heritage into a vibrant sporting identity. The design includes a semi-circular motif with a rugby ball at its center, symbolizing the dynamic nature of rugby sevens while honoring the host state's culture.

This announcement 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 across Asia. The Indian U20 Women’s team is returning after securing a bronze medal at the 2025 edition held in Rajgir, Bihar, and aims to build on that success in Bhubaneswar. Meanwhile, the Indian U20 Men’s team is also looking to make a strong impact at the continental championship.

Bhupendra Singh Poonia, IAS, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports & Youth Services Department, expressed, “Odisha has consistently supported rugby development through national competitions and initiatives that create opportunities for athletes at various levels. The Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship brings international rugby back to our state and provides young players with a vital platform to showcase their skills. We are excited to host the participating nations in Bhubaneswar and anticipate an exhilarating championship at the 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 moment 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 Government of Odisha and the Sports & Youth Services Department for their ongoing support and look forward to welcoming all participating nations.”

The championship also builds on a year filled with rugby activities at the Kalinga Stadium. In 2026, the venue hosted three national-level competitions: the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, the ASMITA Rugby League – National, and the National Rugby 15s Championship – Division 1. The upcoming Asia Rugby championship will add an international flair to the venue's rugby calendar.

The selected 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 days at the Kalinga Stadium.