The Indian women’s rugby sevens team made a memorable debut at the top tier of Asian rugby, finishing sixth at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series (Leg 1) in Hangzhou, China.
Competing against Asia’s 12 strongest rugby nations, the Indian girls not only held their own but also scripted historic victories along the way, marking a new chapter for the sport in the country.
Drawn in a tough pool, India’s first taste of top-tier competition was against Hong Kong and Thailand, two seasoned outfits with years of experience at this level. Both matches were one-sided on the scoreboard India lost 0-29 to Hong Kong and 0-27 to Thailand but there were positives to take away.
The Indian team, known for its speed and agility, displayed remarkable defensive organization to keep the margins respectable. Against opponents with more physicality and international exposure, simply containing them within a 30-point spread was a statement of resilience.
With two losses in the bag, India entered their final group game against the Philippines needing a victory to stay alive in the classification rounds. The stage was set for a breakthrough moment.
First-Ever Win at the Elite Level
The match against the Philippines carried extra emotional weight. Just a year earlier, India had lost narrowly to the same team by two points in the final of the Asia Rugby Trophy (Division 2). That heartbreak had denied them the immediate jump to the elite tier. The Philippines had also edged India in 2019.
This time, however, the script flipped. Playing with fire and composure, the Indian girls produced a commanding display, registering their first-ever win at Asia’s top-tier competition with a 24-5 triumph.
Sandhyarani Tudu etched her name into history by scoring India’s first try at the elite level. Bhumika Shukla added the first conversion, capping off a polished attacking move.
The Indians outpaced and outmuscled the Philippines across the park, showcasing not only their trademark speed but also improved tackling and ball recovery. It was a one-sided affair a remarkable turnaround from previous encounters.
The Thriller Against UAE
With that victory, India advanced to the 5th–8th classification bracket, where they faced UAE in the playoff. On paper, the odds were stacked against the Indians every UAE player was physically bigger and stronger. Yet, the Indian team matched their opponents tackle for tackle, refusing to be intimidated.
What followed was a pulsating contest that went into overtime after the scores were locked at full time. In extra minutes, India’s superior energy and quicker recovery in breakdowns made the difference. The girls clinched the match 19-12, notching up their second win of the tournament and guaranteeing a top-6 finish.
That victory sparked celebrations, as it meant India would play Kazakhstan in the 5th–6th playoff.
Final Match: Narrow Loss to Kazakhstan
The playoff against Kazakhstan, a side with established pedigree in Asian rugby, was another fiercely fought contest. India battled hard, but Kazakhstan’s superior experience eventually tilted the match in their favor.
India went down 10-17, settling for sixth place in the tournament. While defeat was disappointing, the overall campaign left plenty of reasons to celebrate. A debut finish in the top half of a 12-team field is no small achievement.
India’s sixth-place finish carries huge significance. This was the team’s first appearance at the Asian Rugby Sevens Series, the topmost level of competition in the continent, after years of competing in the second-tier Asia Rugby Trophy.
The tournament demonstrated the side’s strengths:
- Resilience in defense against stronger, more experienced teams.
- Tactical adaptability, especially in the close contests against UAE and Kazakhstan.
- Improved fitness and recovery, which allowed them to play intense rugby despite back-to-back fixtures.
Most importantly, the wins against the Philippines and UAE underlined India’s growing stature in Asian rugby.
The senior team’s performance is also an extension of India’s steady progress at the junior level. In recent years, Indian girls have consistently ranked among the top five in Asia in age-group competitions, reflecting a pipeline of talent that is beginning to make its presence felt at the senior stage.
With rugby sevens now firmly part of the Olympic program, exposure to such elite tournaments will be invaluable in preparing India’s players for the demands of international rugby.
Looking Ahead: Colombo Awaits
The Asian Rugby Sevens Series is played across multiple legs, and Hangzhou was only the beginning. The next stop will be Colombo, Sri Lanka, on October 18–19, where India will look to build on the momentum of their historic debut.
For head coach and support staff, the focus will likely be on refining game management particularly in closing out tight matches like the one against Kazakhstan and further strengthening physical conditioning to match the size and power of opponents like Hong Kong and Thailand.
The Indian women’s rugby sevens team’s debut at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series has been nothing short of inspiring. A first-ever win at the elite level, followed by a thrilling overtime victory over UAE, and ultimately a top-6 finish in a competition featuring Asia’s best, marks a breakthrough moment for the sport in the country.
What stood out most was not just the results but the spirit. Against bigger and more seasoned opponents, the Indian girls fought with fearlessness, tackling relentlessly and recovering swiftly. They showed that while size and experience matter, determination and teamwork can bridge the gap.
As they now look ahead to Colombo, one thing is certain: this debut has lit a spark. India’s women are no longer just participants in Asian rugby’s elite tier they are genuine competitors with the potential to climb even higher.
