International rugby will return to Odisha after eight years as Bhubaneswar prepares to host the Asia Rugby Emirates Under-20 Sevens Championship 2026 at Kalinga Stadium on November 14 and 15.
Rugby India has announced the Indian Under-20 men's and women's squads for the continental championship. The men's competition will feature 10 teams, while seven teams will compete in the women's category.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Bhubaneswar will host the championship on November 14–15, 2026.
Kalinga Stadium is the designated venue.
Ten nations will participate in the championship.
The men's competition will feature 10 teams.
Seven teams will compete in the women's category.
India's women's team won bronze at the 2025 edition in Bihar.
The 10 participating nations are India, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Uzbekistan, Thailand, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Nepal and Jordan.
The Indian women's team will look to build on its bronze-medal finish at the 2025 edition, held in Rajgir, Bihar. The men's team will aim for a strong performance on home soil.
The championship marks the return of international rugby to Odisha after the state hosted the Asia Rugby Under-18 Girls Sevens Championship in 2018.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Hosting the continental championship strengthens Odisha's position as a venue for international sporting events and provides India's emerging rugby players an opportunity to compete against teams from across Asia on home soil.
The two-day competition will bring together emerging rugby players from across Asia, providing India's Under-20 men's and women's teams an opportunity to compete at home.
