India women storm into Asia U20 Rugby Sevens semi-finals with unbeaten run; men face decisive Chinese Taipei test

India’s U20 women’s rugby sevens team made a commanding start to the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026, winning all three of their opening-day matches without conceding a point to secure a place in the semi-finals at Kalinga Stadium. 

The men’s team also showed attacking promise, registering two victories from three matches, but will need a positive result against Chinese Taipei on Sunday to confirm their place in the knockout stage.

The opening day of the continental competition featured strong performances from the Indian women’s side, which defeated Nepal, Singapore and Sri Lanka by convincing margins. The men’s campaign was more mixed, with an impressive opening win over Uzbekistan followed by a defeat to defending champions Hong Kong China. They responded with a dominant victory against Nepal to keep their semi-final hopes alive.

The tournament was officially inaugurated by Odisha Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, who released ceremonial balloons ahead of India’s opening men’s fixture against Uzbekistan.

Indian women dominate with three shutout victories

India’s U20 women’s team delivered one of the standout performances of the opening day, combining attacking efficiency with disciplined defence to complete three consecutive victories without allowing their opponents to score.

They began with a 69-0 demolition of Nepal before continuing their momentum with a 53-0 win over Singapore. India then completed the group-stage campaign with a 34-0 victory against Sri Lanka, ensuring an unbeaten record and a place in the semi-finals.

The consistency of the performances was reflected in the individual scoring contributions. Sumitra Murmu led India’s attack with 31 points across the three matches, registering three tries and eight conversions. Dipali Tathe contributed 26 points through four tries and three conversions, while Khushi Devi added 20 points with four tries.

Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of India’s campaign was the collective contribution across the squad. Every member of the women’s team scored at least one try during the day, highlighting the depth of their attacking options rather than dependence on a small group of players.

With three wins from three matches, India will now face Malaysia in the semi-final at 11:34 AM on Sunday. The other semi-final will feature Hong Kong China against Sri Lanka.

The Indian women will enter the knockout stage with confidence, having demonstrated the ability to score freely while maintaining a perfect defensive record. However, the semi-final will present a different challenge, with a place in the final at stake.

Men bounce back after defeat to defending champions

India’s U20 men’s team experienced a more challenging opening day but showed the ability to recover after a difficult result against Hong Kong China.

Their campaign began positively with a 33-14 victory over Uzbekistan. India initially conceded the opening points but responded strongly to take control of the contest. Captain Pushpender led the scoring with two tries, while Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram and Subash Hansdah added one try each.

Rahul Majhi contributed two conversions, with Bharat Kisan and Rajan Rawat adding one conversion apiece as India secured a 19-point victory.

The second fixture brought a significantly tougher examination against Hong Kong China, the defending champions and tournament favourites. India were unable to make an impact on the scoreboard and suffered a 0-45 defeat.

The response in their final match of the day was emphatic. India defeated Nepal 50-0, producing a strong attacking display while once again keeping their opponents scoreless.

Pushpender was the standout performer, scoring three tries to take his tally to five for the day. Charan Hembram added two tries, taking his total to three. Rahul Majhi, Subash Hansdah and Ajit Nag also crossed the try line.

Bharat Kisan converted two tries, while Rahul Majhi, Rajan Rawat and Aman contributed one conversion each. The result gave India a second victory and restored momentum ahead of Sunday’s decisive fixture.

Chinese Taipei clash will determine men’s progression

India will face Chinese Taipei at 9:00 AM on November 15 in their final men’s group-stage match. The encounter will determine whether the hosts progress to the semi-finals and join the women’s team in the knockout stage.

After the defeat to Hong Kong China, the victory over Nepal was important not only for the points but also for the confidence it provides ahead of a high-pressure match. India’s attacking players have shown they can produce substantial scoring performances, but the team will need to maintain discipline and consistency against Chinese Taipei.

The men’s side will be aware that another difficult contest could end their hopes of competing for a medal. A strong start and effective execution in both attack and defence will be crucial.

Medal matches scheduled for Sunday evening

The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens 2026 will conclude on November 15, with the medal matches in both men’s and women’s categories scheduled from 4:00 PM onwards at Kalinga Stadium.

India’s women have already secured their semi-final place and will look to convert their impressive group-stage form into a place in the final. The men’s team, meanwhile, faces a decisive morning encounter against Chinese Taipei.

With the home crowd behind them, India have an opportunity to make a strong impact across both competitions. The women’s unbeaten opening day has provided an encouraging foundation, while the men’s emphatic recovery against Nepal has kept their campaign firmly alive. Sunday will determine how far both teams can go in the race for continental honours.