International Rugby Returns to Odisha as Bhubaneswar Prepares for Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship 2026
Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to welcome international rugby once again as the prestigious Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 will be held at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on November 14 and 15, 2026.
The event will bring together some of Asia’s most promising young rugby talents and further strengthen Odisha’s reputation as a premier sporting destination.
The championship is being organised jointly by Rugby India, the Odisha Department of Sports and Youth Services, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association.
A total of 10 nations, including India, Hong Kong, China, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Jordan, will participate in the tournament.
The competition will feature 17 teams, comprising 10 men’s teams and seven women’s teams, ensuring a competitive and high-energy showcase of emerging rugby talent from across the continent.
Adding to the excitement for local fans, eight players from Odisha have earned places in India’s U20 squads.
The men’s team includes Bharat Kisan, Vidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hemram, Rahul Majhi, and Subash Hansda, while the women’s squad features Mamali Singh, who has been named vice-captain, along with Anita Murmu and Sumitra Murmu.
Ahead of the tournament, Suryabanshi Suraj, Odisha’s Sports Minister, reviewed the preparations and directed officials to ensure seamless arrangements for participating teams and officials.
Key areas of focus include transportation, accommodation, security, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation, and fire safety measures.
The tournament is expected to further boost Odisha’s standing as a hub for international sporting events.
With world-class infrastructure and a growing rugby ecosystem, Bhubaneswar continues to attract major competitions while nurturing local sporting talent.
The successful hosting of the championship is anticipated to provide a significant platform for young athletes, promote rugby’s growth in India, and showcase Odisha’s commitment to sports excellence on the international stage.
