Bhubaneswar, Nov 14 (UDN): Bhubaneswar is all set to welcome some of Asia's brightest emerging rugby talents as the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 gets underway at the iconic Kalinga Stadium on November 14 and 15.
Pic Credit: x.com/DDNewsOdia
Ahead of the two-day international championship, Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj unveiled the tournament's official trophy on Friday, marking the final countdown to the much-awaited sporting event.
The championship will feature 17 teams representing 10 Asian nations, with 10 teams competing in the men's category and seven in the women's category. Participating nations include India, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong China, Thailand, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan.
Odisha Welcomes Asia's Young Rugby Stars
Speaking at the trophy unveiling ceremony, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj said Odisha was delighted to host the prestigious international competition.
He highlighted the state's growing investment in sports infrastructure and its commitment to identifying young talent, strengthening grassroots sports development and providing aspiring athletes with opportunities to compete at national and international levels.
Gerald Prabhu, Executive Committee Member of Asia Rugby and Secretary General of Rugby India, described the championship as an important opportunity to promote rugby in the country.
He noted that the return of international rugby to Odisha after eight years would further strengthen the state's association with the sport and give Indian players valuable exposure against international opponents.
Asia Rugby CEO Benjamin van Rooyen also appreciated India's growing presence in Asian rugby, describing Odisha's sporting infrastructure and experience in hosting international competitions as ideal for the championship.
Teams And Pool Composition
The men's competition will feature 10 teams divided into two groups, while seven teams will compete in the women's category across two groups.
In the men's Group A, Hong Kong China, India, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei and Nepal will compete against each other. Group B comprises Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Jordan.
In the women's category, Group C features Hong Kong China, Malaysia and Thailand, while Group D includes India, Sri Lanka, Singapore and Nepal.
India's Match Schedule
The Indian teams will begin their campaign on November 14, with several important pool matches scheduled across both days.
Day 1 – November 14
9:00 AM – Men's: India vs Uzbekistan
11:12 AM – Women's: India vs Nepal
2:22 PM – Women's: India vs Singapore
3:28 PM – Men's: Hong Kong China vs India
4:56 PM – Women's: India vs Sri Lanka
5:40 PM – Men's: India vs Nepal
Day 2 – November 15
9:00 AM – Men's: India vs Chinese Taipei
The second day's programme will feature the remaining men's pool matches, followed by the knockout rounds to determine the final standings and championship winners.
International Rugby Returns To Odisha After Eight Years
The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 marks the return of an international rugby tournament to Bhubaneswar after an eight-year gap. The city last hosted an international rugby competition in 2018.
Odisha has continued to strengthen its sporting credentials by hosting several national-level rugby tournaments in 2026, including the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, National Rugby 15s Championship and ASMITA National League.
The state has also contributed five players to India's women's rugby squad at the Asian Games, highlighting its growing contribution to the sport.
The upcoming championship follows India's hosting of the India-New Zealand U20 Rugby Series in Rajgir, Bihar, in October 2026.
With teams arriving from across the continent, the two-day tournament is expected to provide a major platform for young rugby players to showcase their skills while further enhancing Bhubaneswar's reputation as an emerging destination for international sporting events.
