Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 Kicks Off at Kalinga Stadium

The Asia Rugby Emirates Under-20 Sevens Championship 2026 commenced at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, with Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj formally inaugurating the international tournament.

The two-day championship, being held on November 14 and 15, has brought together 17 teams from 10 countries, including 10 men’s teams and seven women’s teams.

Odisha Hosts International Rugby Championship After Eight Years

Addressing the gathering, Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj expressed pride over Odisha hosting the international rugby championship after a gap of eight years.

He said that organising international sporting events in Odisha would inspire young athletes to pursue careers in sports and provide them with opportunities to showcase their talent at the global level.

The Minister also highlighted India’s representation in the tournament, with five Odisha players featuring in the men’s team and three in the women’s team. He extended his best wishes to all participating athletes.

Rahul Bose Praises Odisha’s Sporting Infrastructure

President of the Indian Rugby Football Union Rahul Bose expressed happiness over the championship being organised at Kalinga Stadium.

He pointed out that three national-level rugby championships had already been hosted at the stadium this year. These include the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, Asmita Rugby League-National and National Rugby 15s Championship (Division 1).

He appreciated the Odisha Government and the Sports and Youth Services Department for their continued support in promoting rugby and strengthening the state’s sporting ecosystem.

Bose also said that Odisha had established a distinct identity in the international sporting arena by regularly hosting national and international competitions.

25 Matches Scheduled on Opening Day

The championship will continue for two days, with 25 matches scheduled on the opening day, November 14.

The tournament is expected to provide a competitive platform for emerging rugby players from across Asia to demonstrate their skills and gain international exposure.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Director Dr Yedula Vijay and Rugby India’s Secretary Gerald Prabhu were among those present at the inaugural ceremony.

The hosting of the championship further strengthens Odisha’s position as an emerging destination for major national and international sporting events.