The highly anticipated U20 Asian Rugby Sevens Championship commenced in Rajgir, Bihar, on Saturday, promising a weekend of intense competition. This event marks a significant milestone as the first international rugby match hosted in the state. The first day witnessed thrilling performances, notably from India’s Under-20 teams. The women’s team showcased a strong performance in the Asia Rugby Emirates Rugby 7s Under-20 Championship, earning a place in the semi-finals. The men’s team also celebrated a historic achievement, securing their first-ever win against the UAE at this level.
Led by coach Kiano Fory and captain Bhumika Shukla, the women’s team displayed resilience and skill, beginning their campaign with a hard-fought 17-10 victory over Kazakhstan. Guria Kumari, Anshu Kumari, and Alpana Kumari from Bihar each contributed a try, setting a positive tone for the team.
The women’s team continued their impressive run in the afternoon, defeating the UAE with a score of 31-7. Captain Bhumika Shukla scored two tries, while vice-captain Tanushree Bhosale and Muskan Piploda, along with Anshu, added to the scoreboard. This victory guaranteed their spot in the semi-finals before their final pool match against Hong Kong China.
In the men’s division, the team under coach Paco Hernandez created history by defeating the UAE 24-17. This was India’s first victory at the Under-20 level against the UAE and the first time they managed to score against them across five matches involving the Under-18 and Under-20 teams. Charan Hembram’s try and conversion initiated the scoring, with Golden Kumar and David Munda also contributing tries. David’s second try was crucial in securing India’s win, despite the UAE’s efforts to make a comeback.
Unfortunately, the men’s team could not maintain the momentum in the subsequent Pool A matches, suffering losses to Sri Lanka and Hong Kong China with a score of 52-4. Sri Lanka and Hong Kong China advanced to the top positions in Pool A, while China and Malaysia emerged as the leading teams in Pool B. The Indian Under-20 women’s team will participate in the semi-finals, while the men’s team will compete for the fifth position against Kazakhstan. The matches are accessible live on FanCode and the Asia Rugby YouTube Channel.