International rugby is set to make a triumphant return to Odisha after eight years. The state capital will host the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 at Kalinga Stadium on 14 and 15 November.
The Sports & Youth Services Department (DSYS), Government of Odisha, along with Rugby India and the Odisha Rugby Football Association, unveiled the tournament logo and announced the Indian U20 men’s and women’s squads. The last international rugby event hosted in Odisha was the Asia Rugby U18 Girls Sevens Championship in 2018.
Jhote Chita Inspired Tournament Identity
The championship logo incorporates elements from Odisha’s heritage through traditional Jhoti Chita art.
- Visual Identity: The emblem features a semi-circular motif surrounding a central rugby ball, embodying the speed and energy of rugby sevens.
- Cultural Connection: The design establishes a strong connection between the continental competition and its host state.
Indian Squads and 10-Nation Competition
The tournament brings together 10 nations: India, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, and Jordan.
- India U20 Women’s Squad: Led by Captain Tanushree Bhosale and Vice-Captain Mamali Singh, the squad aims to build on their bronze-medal performance at the 2025 edition in Rajgir, Bihar.
- India U20 Men’s Squad: Captained by Pushpender alongside Vice-Captain Rajan Rawat, the men’s side seeks a strong showing on home soil.
- Competition Format: Ten teams will clash in the men’s category, while seven teams compete in the women’s event across two action-packed days at Kalinga Stadium.
Selected Indian Squad Rosters:
- India U20 Men: Pushpender (C), Rajan Rawat (VC), Ajit Nag, Aman, Arun Prajapat, Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Naman Yadav, Rahul Majhi, Rohit Kumar, Subash Hansdah.
- India U20 Women: Tanushree Bhosale (C), Mamali Singh (VC), Akshaya NS, Anita Murmu, Anushka Sankpal, Dipali Tathe, Khushi Devi, Kirti Jadhav, Aditi Sakharam Londhe, Saloni Kumari, Samruddhi Kadam, Sumitra Murmu.
The continental showcase follows a busy domestic calendar at Kalinga Stadium, which recently hosted the Sub-Junior National Sevens, ASMITA League, and National 15s Division 1 Championships.
