Bhubaneswar, 09 November (H.S.): Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj on Monday reviewed preparations for the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026, scheduled to be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on November 14 and 15.

The two-day international championship will feature 17 teams, including 10 men's and seven women's teams, from 10 countries — India, Hong Kong China, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Jordan.

Eight players from Odisha have been selected for the Indian U20 squads. Bharat Kisan, Vidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Rahul Majhi and Subash Hansda will represent the men's team, while Mamali Singh, Anita Murmu and Sumitra Murmu have made it to the women's squad.

During the review meeting, the Minister directed officials to ensure proper arrangements for the teams' arrival, accommodation, transportation and hospitality. He also emphasised adequate security, drinking water, sanitation, uninterrupted power supply and fire safety at the venue.

Describing the hosting of the championship as a matter of pride for Odisha, Suraj said the state had already hosted three national-level rugby championships at Kalinga Stadium this year. The international event would further strengthen Odisha's position on the global sporting map and encourage young players to take up rugby, he added.

Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Police Commissioner Suresh Dev Datta Singh, BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana, Sports Director Yeddula Vijay and other senior officials attended the meeting.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda