Rugby Fever in Odisha: Odisha is set to take centre stage in Indian rugby as the iconic Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, prepares to host the 10th Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championships for Under-15 Boys and Girls. Organized by Rugby India in collaboration with the Government of Odisha, the Department of Sports & Youth Services (DSYS), and the Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), the championship marks the return of National Rugby Championships to the state, reinforcing the state’s growing stature as a national hub for grassroots and high-performance sport.
Recognized as one of India’s premier sporting venues, the Kalinga Stadium has previously hosted major national and international events across disciplines. While Odisha successfully staged the Junior and Senior National Rugby Championships in 2021, the Sub-Junior Nationals now arrives at the state’s flagship stadium – offering young athletes early exposure to a world-class sporting environment at a critical stage of their development. The Girls’ Championship will be held on 16th and 17th January 2026, followed by the Boys’ Championship on 20th and 21st January 2026.
The four-day competition will feature participation from 24 states in each category, bringing together nearly 600 Under-15 players from across the country in the fast-paced Rugby Sevens format. Beginning in 2024, the Sub-Junior Nationals underwent a significant evolution with the transition from touch rugby to a modified contact format, alongside a shift in the age group from Under-14 to Under-15. This change was introduced to expose players to the physical aspects of the game at an appropriate developmental stage, under structured coaching and safety protocols-widening the talent pool and building greater confidence among young athletes as they enter the national pathway.
Dr. Yeddula Vijay, IAS – Director, Sports & Youth Services Department, Government of Odisha, said: “Sport is deeply woven into Odisha’s identity, and rugby has grown alongside the state’s journey as a modern sporting destination. Hosting the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championships at the Kalinga Stadium reflects our commitment to nurturing young talent, strengthening grassroots pathways, and providing athletes with environments that inspire confidence and excellence.
We are pleased to partner with Rugby India in shaping the next generation of Indian rugby players and reaffirm Odisha’s role as a strong contributor to the nation’s sporting ecosystem.” Speaking on the significance of the championship, Rahul Bose, President, Rugby India, said: “The Sub-Junior Nationals are where belief is born. For many players, this is their first national stage-where confidence is built, ambition takes shape, and the values of the game are learned.
Hosting this championship at the Kalinga Stadium gives young athletes an early sense of what excellence looks like, and we thank the Government of Odisha for its continued commitment to grassroots sport and youth development.” Teams will compete through a structured league phase with three teams per group, followed by knockout rounds, with classification matches ensuring meaningful game time for all participating teams.
This format reflects Rugby India’s emphasis on competitive exposure, learning, and long term player development. Shri. Priyadarshi Mishra, President, Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), added: “Hosting the Sub-Junior Nationals at Kalinga Stadium reflects Odisha’s long-term vision for sport.
This championship provides young players with a national platform while strengthening the foundation of rugby development in the state and beyond.” The Sub-Junior National Rugby 7s Championships remain a cornerstone of Rugby India’s national development pathway, playing a vital role in identifying emerging talent, strengthening state programmes, and preparing players for progression into junior and senior national competitions.
The championship underscores Rugby India’s ongoing commitment to grassroots development and the sustainable growth of rugby in India.
