India's U20 Women's Team Clinches Bronze at Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026
India's U20 Women's Team Triumphs in Bronze Medal Match
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], November 15: The U20 Women's rugby team of India has successfully secured the bronze medal for the second year in a row at the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026. They concluded their tournament with a decisive 27-0 win against Sri Lanka at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
On the second day of the tournament, the Indian team faced a tough semi-final against Malaysia, where they narrowly lost 12-14. In this match, Samruddhi Kadam and Khushi Devi each scored a try, while Mamali Singh contributed with a conversion, keeping the pressure on Malaysia throughout the game, as reported by ARE U20.
Under the guidance of coach Kiano Fourie, the team rebounded strongly in the bronze medal match, dominating Sri Lanka with a 27-0 scoreline. Samruddhi Kadam was a standout performer, scoring two tries, while Aditi Londhe, Akshaya NS, and Anita Murmu each added a try to the tally.
Dipali Tathe also made her mark early in the match with a conversion. This victory marked India's second consecutive third-place finish, following their bronze medal achievement in the previous tournament held in Rajgir, Bihar.
Meanwhile, the Indian U20 Men's team faced Chinese Taipei in their final group-stage match, suffering a 5-12 defeat, with Rahul Majhi scoring the only try for India. In their subsequent match against Singapore, they lost 5-29, with Majhi again finding the scoresheet.
However, India ended their campaign on a high note, defeating Thailand 24-7 in the seventh/eighth-place playoff. Ajit Nag scored two tries, while Pushpender and Naman Yadav each added a try. Bharat Kisan and Rahul Majhi contributed with a conversion each, securing seventh place overall for India.
In the tournament, Hong Kong China emerged victorious in both the men's and women's categories, with Malaysia taking the runner-up position in both competitions. Chinese Taipei finished third in the men's category, while India claimed bronze in the women's event.
India's U20 Women's team has once again showcased their talent by securing bronze, while Hong Kong China celebrated a double victory in both competitions.