Bhubaneswar: Odisha is hosting the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26 for boys and girls in the Under-17 and Under-14 categories at Kalinga Stadium here.
The national-level school rugby tournament has brought together young players from across the country, showcasing emerging talent in the sport. The championship will continue till April 10.
The event was inaugurated by Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, who attended as the Chief Guest. Among those present were Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department; Birendra Korkora, Director of Secondary Education; Jyoti Prasad Parida, Assistant Director (PET); SGFI Observer Arvind Yadav; and international rugby player Dumuni Marandi.
In his address, Poonia encouraged the participants to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and aim to represent the nation at international platforms. Arvind Yadav lauded the efforts of the School and Mass Education Department and the Odisha government for hosting the championship at an international-standard venue. He expressed optimism about Odisha emerging as a hub for major sporting events in the future.
International rugby player Dumuni Marandi shared her journey and motivated the young athletes to pursue excellence in the sport.
The Under-17 matches for both boys and girls are scheduled on April 6 and 7, while the Under-14 competitions will be held on April 9 and 10.
Around 460 players from 15 states and organisations, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, the CBSE Welfare Sports Organisation, and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations, are participating in the Under-17 category.
