Bhubaneswar: The 10th Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championships for Under-15 Boys and Girls will be held at the iconic Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar in January.
The event marks the return of national rugby championships to the state jointly organised by Rugby India in collaboration with government of Odisha, Department of Sports & Youth Services (DSYS) and Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA).
The Girls’ Championship will be staged on January 16 and 17, followed by the Boys’ Championship on January 20 and 21, organisers said.
Nearly 600 young athletes from 24 states will compete in the fast-paced Rugby Sevens format, making this one of the largest gatherings of budding rugby talent in the country. The competition will feature a structured league phase, knockout rounds, and classification matches, ensuring meaningful game time and exposure for all p
articipants. Since 2024, the Sub-Junior Nationals have undergone significant changes, shifting from touch rugby to a modified contact format and raising the age group from Under-14 to Under-15. These adjustments were introduced to give players early exposure to the physical aspects of the sport under safe and structured coaching, broadening the talent pool and instilling confidence among young athletes as they progress through the national pathway.
Director of Sports & Youth Services Yeddula Vijay emphasised the Odisha’s commitment to nurturing young talent. He noted that hosting the Sub-Junior Nationals at Kalinga Stadium reflects Odisha’s dedication to strengthening grassroots pathways and providing athletes with environments that inspire confidence and excellence.
Actor and President of Rugby India Rahul Bose highlighted that the Sub-Junior Nationals give young players their first taste of national competition, helping them build confidence, ambition and an understanding of the values of the game.
Echoing this sentiment, President of ORFA Priyadarshi Mishra remarked that hosting the championship at Kalinga Stadium not only provides young players with a national platform but also strengthens the foundation of rugby development in the state and across India.