Odisha is hosting the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
The event features boys and girls competing in the Under-17 and Under-14 categories, with matches scheduled from April 6 to April 10.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department, Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Dr N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department; Shri Birendra Korkora, Director of Secondary Education; Shri Jyoti Prasad Parida, Assistant Director (PET); SGFI Observer Shri Arvind Yadav; and international rugby player Dumuni Marandi.
Shri Poonia encouraged participants to play with true sportsmanship and aim to represent India internationally. SGFI Observer Shri Yadav praised Odisha’s efforts in organising the event at an international venue and expressed hope for more global sporting events in the state. Dumuni Marandi inspired young athletes by sharing her rugby journey.
The Under-17 competitions are being held on April 6 and 7, while the Under-14 matches will take place on April 9 and 10. Around 460 players from 15 states and organisations are participating, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, CBSE Welfare Sports Organisation, and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
