The Indian men's rugby sevens team secured a silver medal while the women's team finished fourth at the inaugural Central Asian and South Asian (CASA) Rugby 7s 2026 tournament, held in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The event marked a significant milestone for rugby in the region, bringing together teams from multiple countries.
Men's Team Performance
The Indian men's team displayed exceptional skill and determination throughout the competition. They advanced to the final after a series of impressive victories, including a hard-fought win against Sri Lanka in the semifinals. In the gold medal match, India faced a strong Uzbekistan side and narrowly lost 19-24, settling for silver. Despite the loss, the team's performance was praised by coaches and fans alike.
Key Players
- Captain Rohan Singh led the team with strategic plays and scored crucial tries.
- Vikram Yadav showcased his speed and agility, contributing multiple tries in the tournament.
- Arjun Patel was instrumental in defense, making several key tackles.
Women's Team Performance
The Indian women's team also put up a commendable performance, finishing fourth after a tough loss to Kazakhstan in the bronze medal match. The women's team had earlier defeated Nepal and Bangladesh in the group stages but fell short against Uzbekistan in the semifinals. Despite the disappointment, the team's growth and potential were evident throughout the tournament.
Key Players
- Priya Sharma emerged as a top scorer for the team with her powerful runs.
- Neha Gupta displayed excellent leadership as vice-captain, guiding the team through challenging matches.
- Anjali Verma contributed with crucial assists and defensive plays.
Tournament Highlights
The CASA Rugby 7s 2026 featured eight men's and six women's teams from across the region. The tournament aimed to promote rugby and foster regional cooperation. Sri Lanka Rugby Union President praised the event's success and highlighted India's strong showing. The Indian teams' performances have raised hopes for future international competitions, including the Asian Games.
Both Indian teams received accolades for their sportsmanship and competitive spirit. The Rugby Union of India expressed pride in the teams' achievements and committed to further development programs to enhance the sport's growth in the country.
