The Indian women’s rugby sevens team put on a spirited display at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025 – Colombo Leg, their debut appearance in the continental competition.
Despite narrowly missing out on a semifinal berth, the Indian side showcased resilience, flair, and remarkable improvement, finishing the group stage with two wins from three matches. India began their campaign on Saturday in emphatic fashion, defeating UAE 17–7 in their opening match before registering a record-breaking 50–0 victory against Indonesia. However, a heavy loss to the formidable Japan (0–43), one of Asia’s traditional powerhouses, halted their progress toward the semifinals. They will now contest the 5th–8th place classification matches, starting against Singapore.
A Flying Start: Confident Win Over UAE
India’s first-ever match in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series was a test of composure and preparation. Facing UAE a side known for its physicality the Indian women handled the challenge with discipline and tactical awareness. The 17–7 win marked a memorable start to India’s debut campaign, as they dominated territory and possession through sharp passing and relentless tackling.
India’s backline, led by captain Vahbiz Bharucha, used width effectively to stretch the UAE defence. The forward pack ensured steady ruck ball, allowing India to maintain attacking continuity throughout. The defensive shape, particularly in the dying minutes, reflected the growing maturity of the team under pressure.
The victory not only settled nerves but also established India as a team capable of competing beyond South Asian boundaries a symbolic step in their international journey.
Record-Breaking Triumph Against Indonesia
If the first win brought belief, the second brought dominance. India’s 50–0 demolition of Indonesia was not just a win it was a statement. The Indian women ran in eight tries, converting five, to register their biggest-ever victory margin in international sevens history. Kalyani Patil was the star of the show, completing a sensational hat-trick of tries, while her pace and footwork repeatedly split the Indonesian defence. The team’s attacking cohesion was on full display as offloads, line breaks, and support runs created scoring opportunities from nearly every possession.
Equally impressive was India’s defensive effort Indonesia barely crossed the halfway line, a testament to India’s pressing structure and fitness levels. The 50-point mark was a milestone moment for Indian women’s rugby, highlighting how far the program has evolved since its early grassroots days.
The result also boosted India’s confidence ahead of their final pool clash against regional giants Japan.
Up Against Asia’s Best: A Learning Curve vs Japan
The clash with Japan, Asia’s top-ranked side and a regular participant in global competitions, served as a valuable reality check for the debutants. Japan’s experience, pace, and skill were evident as they ran in multiple tries en route to a 43–0 victory.
While the scoreline was lopsided, it reflected more on Japan’s dominance they scored 185 points without conceding across three pool matches than on India’s shortcomings. For India, the match provided a crucial learning experience: the importance of game management, support alignment, and breakdown efficiency at the elite level.
India’s appearance in the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series is a breakthrough moment for women’s rugby in the country. The squad, featuring players from Maharashtra, Odisha, and Bihar regions that have emerged as rugby nurseries reflects the sport’s growing footprint beyond traditional metros. After finishing 6th in the Hangzhou leg earlier in the season, India’s showing in Colombo has underlined tangible progress. The team’s attacking creativity, improved passing accuracy, and disciplined tackling were noticeable upgrades from their earlier campaign.
The presence of consistent performers like Nandini Dahiya, Aditi Swami, and Kalyani Patil has added stability, while younger players such as Anisha Naik and Bhavika Sahu brought energy and unpredictability to India’s offensive plays.
Sunday’s Classification Round: Fighting for Fifth
With semifinal qualification just out of reach, India will now compete for fifth place. The 5th Place semifinals pit India against Singapore, while UAE face Kazakhstan in the other bracket. Meanwhile, the Cup semifinals feature Japan vs Hong Kong China and Thailand vs China, highlighting the depth of Asian women’s rugby.
For India, a win over Singapore would likely secure a top-six finish for the second straight leg a credible result in their maiden season. More importantly, the players’ exposure to back-to-back competitive fixtures will help lay the groundwork for future tournaments. India’s performances in Colombo reflect more than just match results; they represent a cultural shift. Rugby, once confined to niche circuits, is now attracting athletes from athletics, kabaddi, and football backgrounds. With the Rugby India Federation investing in grassroots programs and school initiatives, the women’s game is beginning to find sustainable growth pathways.
The squad’s debut at the Asia Rugby Sevens Series has inspired optimism. Their ability to match up physically, execute structured plays, and display mental fortitude against seasoned teams shows the immense potential of Indian women’s rugby.
As India continues its journey in the continental circuit, the Colombo leg will be remembered as a landmark chapter the moment the team announced its arrival on the Asian stage not as newcomers, but as determined competitors.
Final Group Results, Colombo Leg (Women)
🇮🇳 India 17–7 UAE
🇮🇳 India 50–0 Indonesia
🇮🇳 India 0–43 Japan
India will now play Singapore in the 5th Place Semifinal on Sunday.
