Patna: For the first time, Bihar will host the Asia Rugby U20 Rugby 7s Championship, scheduled to take place on August 9 and 10 at the Rajgir Sports Complex. The Indian U20 men’s and women’s rugby squads have been officially announced, with six players from Bihar making it to the national team.The Indian women’s team includes Aarti Kumari, Anshu Kumari, Alpana Kumari and Guria Kumari from Bihar. In the men’s team, Golden Kumar and Sagar Prakash have earned their spots. Their inclusion is being seen as a major achievement for the state’s growing rugby talent and is expected to inspire more young athletes across Bihar.
The tournament will see participation from 8 teams across 9 countries: India, Hong Kong China, China, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Nepal. In the women’s category, Nepal has replaced Malaysia. The championship will begin with an inauguration ceremony on August 8 at the Kabaddi Hall of the Rajgir Sports Complex.The final teams were selected following a national coaching camp held since July 3 at the Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre of the Sports Authority of India in Kolkata.
President of the Rugby Football Union of India, Rahul Bose, said, “The Asia Rugby U20 7s Championship is where a player’s international journey begins. We are especially excited to see both our men’s and women’s teams compete together on home soil.”West Bengal’s Sumit Kumar Roy has been named captain of the Indian U20 men’s team, with Karan Rajbhar as vice-captain. Rajasthan’s Bhumika Shukla will lead the women’s side, with Tanushree Bhosale of Maharashtra as vice-captain.This marks the first time since 2022 that both Indian U20 squads will participate together in a continental tournament. The men’s team will be coached by Francisco ‘Paco’ Hernandez, assisted by Terrence Joseph. The U20 women’s team, fresh from their European Championship win, will be guided by head coach Kiano Fourie, with Tilak Raj serving as assistant coach.
Indian U20 Men’s Team:
Sumit Kumar Roy (Captain), Karan Rajbhar (Vice-Captain), Ajeet Nag, Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram, David Munda, Deshraj Singh, Golden Kumar, Rajan Rawat, Rohit Shaw, Sagar Prakash
Indian U20 Women’s Team:
Bhumika Shukla (Captain), Tanushree Bhosale (Vice-Captain), Aarti Kumari, Akshaya NS, Alpana Kumari, Anshu Kumari, Guria Kumari, Kyra Vincent, Mehak, Mamali Singh, Muskan Piploda, Ritu
