International Rugby returns to Odisha after 8 years as Kalinga Stadium hosts Asian Championship

Bhubaneswar, Nov 14: International rugby has made a long-awaited return to Odisha after eight years, with the iconic Kalinga Stadium set to host the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship on November 14 and 15.

The prestigious tournament is being jointly organized by Rugby India, the Odisha Sports Department and the Odisha Rugby Football Association.

The two-day championship will bring together some of Asia's most promising young rugby talents, with 17 teams from 10 countries competing for top honours.

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Participating nations include India, Hong Kong China, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Jordan. A total of 10 men's teams and seven women's teams will battle for the championship title.

For Odisha, the event carries special significance as eight local players have earned places in the Indian squads.

The men's team features Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Rahul Majhi and Subas Hansda, while Mamali Singh, Anita Murmu and Sumitra Murmu are part of the women's squad.

Their inclusion highlights Odisha's growing contribution to Indian rugby and provides local fans with added reason to cheer.

Ahead of the tournament, Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj unveiled the championship trophy in the presence of team captains from participating nations.

The trophy logo beautifully incorporates Odisha's traditional Jhoti Chita artwork, offering international athletes a glimpse into the state's rich cultural heritage.

The minister described the return of international rugby to Odisha as a proud moment for the state and emphasized that special arrangements have been made to ensure a comfortable and secure experience for all athletes and officials. Focus has been placed on hospitality, accommodation, drinking water facilities and fire safety measures.

Rugby is a high-intensity team sport played with an oval-shaped ball on a rectangular grass field. Players score by carrying, kicking or passing the ball to cross the opposition's goal line.

A unique feature of the game is that hand passes can only be made sideways or backwards, while forward progress is achieved by running or kicking the ball.