Bhubaneswar, 14 November (H.S.): The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026 began at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, with Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj formally inaugurating the two-day international tournament.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Suraj said hosting the prestigious championship was a matter of pride for Odisha, which is hosting an international-level rugby tournament after a gap of eight years.

A total of 17 teams from 10 countries, including 10 men's and seven women's teams, are participating in the championship. Five players from Odisha have secured places in the Indian men's team, while three Odia players are part of the women's squad.

The Minister congratulated all participating athletes and expressed confidence that hosting national and international sporting events in Odisha would inspire young sportspersons to pursue careers in sports.

President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (Rugby India), Rahul Bose, said the Kalinga Stadium had hosted three national-level rugby championships this year, including the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, the ASMITA Rugby League National and the National Rugby 15s Championship (Division I).

He said it was encouraging to see the venue hosting an international championship following these national-level events. Bose also appreciated the continued support extended by the Odisha Government and the Sports and Youth Services Department towards the development of rugby in the State.

He added that Odisha had established a distinct position in the global sporting landscape by regularly hosting national and international sporting competitions.

The championship is being held on November 14 and 15 at the Kalinga Stadium. As many as 25 matches are scheduled on the opening day.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Director Dr Yedula Vijay and Rugby India's Secretary Gerald Prabhu were among those present at the inaugural ceremony.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda