Rajgir: India’s U20 women’s team made a triumphant return to the Asia Rugby Emirates Rugby 7s U20 Championship, charging into the semi-finals with two emphatic wins on home soil. The men’s team also created history, registering their first-ever victory over UAE at this level.
Coached by Kiano Fourie and captained by Bhumika Shukla, the women’s side opened their campaign with a gritty 17-10 victory against Kazakhstan, with local talents Guriya Kumari, Anshu Kumari, and Alpana Kumari each scoring a try. Their momentum grew in the afternoon as they overpowered UAE 31-7, securing a semi-final berth ahead of their final pool clash against Hong Kong China. Bhumika scored twice, while Tanushree Bhosale, Muskan Piploda, and Anshu added to the tally.
In the men’s competition, Paco Hernandez’s squad claimed a historic 24-17 triumph over UAE — the first time India had beaten the Emiratis at U20 level and their first points against them across U18 and U20 categories. Charan Hembram scored and converted the opening try, with Goldan Kumar and David Munda crossing the line. Munda’s second try sealed the win despite a late UAE surge.
However, the men were unable to maintain momentum, losing 5-24 to both Sri Lanka and Hong Kong China. Pool A was topped by Sri Lanka and Hong Kong China, while China and Malaysia led Pool B.
