SportsPosted at: Nov 6 2026 8:57PM


Bhubaneswar set for international Rugby comeback after eight years,India announces U20 squad

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6 (UNI) International rugby will return to Odisha after an eight-year gap as Bhubaneswar gears up to host the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 at the Kalinga Stadium on November 14 and 15, with India announcing its men's and women's squads for the continental competition.
The championship will bring together 10 nations across the two categories, marking a significant milestone for Indian rugby and strengthening Odisha's growing reputation as a destination for major sporting events.
The announcement was made alongside the unveiling of the tournament's official logo by the Sports and Youth Services Department (DSYS), Government of Odisha, Rugby India and the Odisha Rugby Football Association.
The return of international rugby to the state is particularly significant as Odisha last hosted an international rugby event in 2018, when the Asia Rugby U18 Girls Sevens Championship was held.
The tournament logo draws inspiration from Odisha's traditional Jhoti Chita art, incorporating elements of the state's cultural heritage into a sporting identity. Featuring a semi-circular motif with a rugby ball at its centre, the design symbolises the speed, energy and movement associated with rugby sevens.
India's U20 men's and women's teams will compete on home soil against emerging rugby sides from across Asia. The women's team will look to build on its bronze-medal-winning performance at the 2025 edition held in Rajgir, Bihar, while the men's side will aim to make a strong impression at the continental event.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, Bhupendra Singh Poonia said the championship would provide young players with an important platform to showcase their abilities while bringing international rugby back to the state.
He said Odisha had consistently supported rugby through national competitions and development initiatives, adding that the state was pleased to welcome participating nations to Bhubaneswar.
Indian Rugby Football union (IRFU) president Rahul Bose described the return of international rugby to Odisha after eight years as a significant moment for the sport in the country.
He said Bhubaneswar had played an important role in rugby's development and that the championship would offer India's U20 men's and women's teams a valuable opportunity to compete against some of Asia's promising sides on home soil.
The upcoming championship will add an international dimension to a busy year for rugby at the Kalinga Stadium, which hosted three national-level competitions in 2026 — the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, ASMITA Rugby League - National and the National Rugby 15s Championship - Division 1.
India U20 Men's Squad: Pushpender (Captain), Rajan Rawat (Vice-Captain), Ajit Nag, Aman, Arun Prajapat, Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Naman Yadav, Rahul Majhi, Rohit Kumar and Subash Hansdah.
India U20 Women's Squad: Tanushree Bhosale (Captain), Mamali Singh (Vice-Captain), Akshaya NS, Anita Murmu, Anushka Sankpal, Dipali Tathe, Khushi Devi, Kirti Jadhav, Aditi Sakharam Londhe, Saloni Kumari, Samruddhi Kadam and Sumitra Murmu.
Besides India, the participating nations include Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan.
While 10 teams will compete in the men's category, seven teams will feature in the women's competition over the two-day championship.
UNI DP
Tags: #Bhubaneswar set for international Rugby comeback after eight years#India announces U20 squad
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