India Finishes Runner-Up at Asian Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy
Muscat, Oman — October 28, 2025: India clinched the runner-up title at the prestigious Asian Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy held in Muscat, showcasing grit and skill throughout the tournament. Despite a valiant effort, the Indian team fell short in the final match, losing 0–27 to Kazakhstan.
The tournament was a proud moment for Odisha, with four players from the state—Ashish Sabar, Ganesh Dhangra Majhi, Yugal Kishore Majhi, and Shahnawaz Ahmad—representing India on the international stage.
Their inclusion brought immense pride to the region, especially as three of them are students of the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS).
India’s journey to the final was marked by dominant performances:
- League Stage Wins: India defeated Lebanon (44–0) and Afghanistan (26–5).
- Semifinal Victory: India overcame Saudi Arabia with a 17–0 win.
Founder of KISS and KIIT, Achyuta Samanta, extended heartfelt congratulations to the players, applauding their contribution to Indian rugby and Odisha’s growing presence in global sports.
This runner-up finish marks a significant milestone in India’s rugby journey and highlights the rising talent emerging from grassroots institutions.
