Bhubaneswar: The Asia Rugby Emirates Under-20 (U-20) Sevens Championship-2026 kicked off today at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj officially inaugurated the championship.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that hosting the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Sevens Championship-2026 in Odisha is a matter of pride and honour for the state. After a gap of 8 years, an international-level rugby championship is being held in Odisha.
He said that 17 teams from 10 countries (10 men’s teams and 7 women’s teams) are participating in this international championship. In the Indian contingent, 5 Odia players have been selected in the men’s team and 3 Odia players in the women’s team. He extended his best wishes to all players.
He added that organizing national and international level competitions in Odisha will definitely inspire young athletes of the state to build their future in the field of sports.
Indian Rugby Football Union President Rahul Bose said that this year, three national-level rugby championships (Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, ASMITA Rugby League – National and National Rugby 15s Championship – Division 1) have already been held at Kalinga Stadium. It is a matter of great joy that the international championship Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Sevens Championship-2026 is also being organized at Kalinga Stadium. By organizing various national and international sports competitions, Odisha has been able to achieve a special place in the world of sports.
He said the Government of Odisha and the Sports and Youth Services Department have been continuously providing support for the development of rugby.
Notably, the championship will be held for two days on November 14 and 15 at Kalinga Stadium. As many as 25 matches are being played on the first day today.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Sports and Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Punia, Director Dr. Yeddula Vijay, Rugby India Secretary General Gerald Prabhu and others.
