Odisha’s Rugby Future Shines Bright at Asia U-20 Championship 2025
Odisha’s rugby future looks bright as four talented players from the state have been selected to represent India at the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Rugby 7s Championship 2025. This marks a significant step in Odisha’s growing rugby influence, with emerging stars set to shine on an international stage.
Rugby in India has always had a bit of a niche following, but the sport is steadily gaining momentum. And when we talk about rugby powerhouses in India, Odisha is quickly becoming a name to reckon with. In 2025, the state is set to leave its mark at the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Rugby 7s Championship, where four talented players from Odisha have been selected to represent India. These selections not only highlight the talent emerging from the state but also signal a new era for Indian rugby, particularly for the youth and future stars of the game.
Odisha’s Rugby Future Shines Bright
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the significance of this selection, the emerging rugby scene in Odisha, and what makes these young athletes stand out. We’ll also cover the upcoming championship, what it means for India’s rugby future, and provide some insights into how the country can continue building on this momentum.
Asia U-20 Championship 2025
Key Detail
Details
Event
Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Rugby 7s Championship 2025
India, China, UAE, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia (Men) India, China, UAE, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal (Women)
Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), Kalinga Black Tigers, Rugby Premier League
Odisha’s Rugby Rising Stars
Rugby in Odisha has been on the rise for the past several years, and the selection of four talented players for the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship 2025 is a clear reflection of the state’s growing presence in the sport. These players have earned their spots after excelling in a rigorous national coaching camp that began in early July 2025. Held at the Sports Authority of India’s Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre in Kolkata, the camp saw promising athletes from all over the country showcasing their skills.
The selected players from Odisha are:
Ritu Majhi (Women’s Team)
Mamali Singh (Women’s Team)
Charan Hembram (Men’s Team)
Bharat Kisan (Men’s Team)
Each of these athletes represents a unique story of determination and skill. Whether it’s Ritu and Mamali’s swift movements on the field or Charan and Bharat’s solid playmaking abilities, these players are not only poised to excel at the U-20 Championship, but they also represent a new wave of rugby talent coming from Odisha.
Asia U-20 Championship 2025
The Significance of the Selection
For the players, representing India at an international level is an achievement in itself, but the context is even more important. This selection underscores the state’s growing influence in the national rugby scene. It serves as proof that Odisha isn’t just a one-off player in Indian rugby but is becoming an important player in shaping the future of the sport.
The competition at the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Rugby 7s Championship will be fierce, with teams from powerhouses like China, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong China competing against India. But this is exactly what makes the tournament so valuable—it offers Indian players a chance to test their skills against some of the best in the world. Not only does it provide exposure, but it also lays the foundation for international recognition and scouting.
Odisha’s Rugby Legacy and Infrastructure
Odisha’s rugby scene didn’t just appear overnight. It has been built over time, with substantial contributions from the Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), which has been crucial in nurturing and developing local talent. The state is also home to the Kalinga Black Tigers, a professional rugby sevens franchise team based in Bhubaneswar. These teams compete in India’s first-ever professional rugby competition, the Rugby Premier League, which is instrumental in giving players the platform to showcase their talent.
The government of Odisha has also played a significant role by providing infrastructural support, like modern stadiums and training facilities, making it easier for athletes to excel. All these developments are not just about having more teams but about creating an environment where rugby players can thrive and dream big. Odisha is quickly becoming the bedrock for the next generation of rugby stars.
The Championship: What to Expect
The Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Rugby 7s Championship is more than just a tournament—it’s a golden opportunity for players to compete on an international stage, gain recognition, and experience the intensity of global rugby. The men’s and women’s teams will face off against formidable opponents, which include squads from China, Hong Kong China, Sri Lanka, and more.
This competition is critical for India’s development as a rugby powerhouse because it offers young players the chance to learn from seasoned professionals, face international competition, and grow from the experience. The tournament will also highlight the skills of players from lesser-known rugby regions like Odisha, shining a light on how much the sport has evolved across the country.
The matches will take place on August 9–10, 2025, in Rajgir, Bihar, with FanCode providing live streaming for those who want to catch the action. You’ll be able to watch these talented players, many of whom are still in their teens, go up against the best rugby teams from across Asia. This is not just an opportunity for the athletes but also for fans of the sport to see India’s youth taking charge and shaping the future of rugby in Asia.
Four young rugby players from Odisha – Ritu Majhi, Mamali Singh, Charan Hembram & Bharat Kisan – have been selected for India’s U-20 squads at the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. A proud moment for Odisha! 🏉🇮🇳 #emirates#RugbyIndia#Odisha… pic.twitter.com/GNwZtHuAgo
While the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship 2025 is the immediate focus, the long-term impact of such tournaments is undeniable. India is making significant strides in rugby, and Odisha is at the forefront of this change. The state has already produced talented athletes who have gone on to play in various national and international leagues, and the recent selection of four players for this tournament is another step toward solidifying its reputation as a rugby powerhouse.
India’s rugby journey is just beginning, and events like this championship provide the perfect platform for growth. If Odisha continues to invest in infrastructure, talent development, and grassroots programs, we could see Indian rugby rising in global rankings in the years to come.
Q1: How can I watch the Asia Rugby Emirates U-20 Championship 2025? The tournament will be streamed live on FanCode. Make sure to tune in for live action on August 9–10, 2025.
Q2: How did the players from Odisha get selected? The players were chosen following a national coaching camp held at the Sports Authority of India’s Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre in Kolkata, where they showcased their rugby skills and impressed the selectors.
Q3: Who are the teams competing in the tournament? The men’s teams include India, China, UAE, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. The women’s teams include India, China, UAE, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
Q4: What does this selection mean for Odisha? This selection is a testament to Odisha’s growing influence in the national rugby scene. It highlights the talent emerging from the state and places it on the global rugby map.
