Bhubaneswar, 06 April (H.S.): Odisha has commenced hosting the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26 for both boys and girls in the Under-17 and Under-14 categories. The prestigious national-level school rugby tournament is being held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, and features players from across the country.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Shri Bhupendra Singh Poonia, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Sports and Youth Services Department, as the Chief Guest. Distinguished guests included Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School and Mass Education Department; Shri Birendra Korkora, Director of Secondary Education; Shri Jyoti Prasad Parida, Assistant Director (PET); SGFI Observer Shri Arvind Yadav; and international rugby player Dumuni Marandi. The championship will run from April 6 to April 10.

Addressing the participants, Chief Guest Shri Poonia encouraged the young athletes to compete with true sportsmanship and strive to represent their state and the country at the international level. SGFI Observer Shri Yadav praised the School and Mass Education Department and thanked the Odisha government for hosting the event at a world-class venue like Kalinga Stadium, expressing hope for more international-level sporting events in the state in the future. International rugby player Dumuni Marandi also shared her experiences with the young athletes, inspiring them with her journey.

The Under-17 boys’ and girls’ competitions are scheduled for April 6 and 7, while the Under-14 categories will take place on April 9 and 10. The Under-17 championship features around 460 players representing 15 states and organizations, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, New Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, the CBSE Welfare Sports Organisation, and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda