The Indian men’s rugby sevens team scripted history in Muscat, Oman, earning their maiden promotion to the top-tier Asia Rugby Sevens Series (Division 1) after an unbeaten campaign at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy 2025. It marks a monumental step forward for Indian rugby a sport steadily rising in both structure and ambition.
India’s promotion was sealed with a dominant 17-0 semifinal victory over Saudi Arabia, which not only secured their place in the final but also guaranteed a spot in Division 1, as both finalists from the Trophy gain promotion under the new Asia Rugby format.
The team’s performance over two days was nothing short of exceptional a display of speed, strategy, and unrelenting teamwork that showcased how far Indian rugby has come.
India opened their campaign in Group B against Lebanon, in what turned out to be a nerve-wracking start. Trailing 0–10 early in the game against a Lebanon side featuring several Australia-based players, the Indians mounted a spirited comeback to win 14–10, displaying defensive grit and mental resilience that set the tone for the rest of the tournament.
That momentum carried into their second group match, where India dismantled Afghanistan 26–5, blending pace on the wings with sharp passing and superior fitness. The comfortable win ensured India topped their group and entered the knockout rounds brimming with confidence. In the quarterfinals, India outclassed Iran 21–7 in a clinical display of attacking flair and defensive organization. The team’s control over possession and tactical composure under pressure stood out, with several well-worked tries coming off structured plays a reflection of the system that has evolved under the guidance of Rugby India’s development program.
The semifinal against Saudi Arabia was expected to be a test, given Saudi’s physicality and speed. But India delivered a masterclass. Dominating both halves, they shut out their opponents 17–0, their defense holding firm and attack running clinical patterns. The win was not just another step in the campaign it was a giant leap for Indian rugby, as it confirmed promotion to Division 1 for the very first time.
A New Chapter in Indian Rugby
Promotion to the Asia Rugby Sevens Series (Division 1) places India among the continent’s elite rugby-playing nations a space previously dominated by Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China.
The Asia Rugby Sevens structure features two tiers:
- Asia Rugby Sevens Series (Division 1): The top-tier league featuring the best eight teams in Asia.
- Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy (Division 2): The second tier, where emerging nations compete for promotion.
Until now, India had consistently been part of the Trophy division, often finishing in the upper half but never managing to break through to the next level. This campaign changes that narrative entirely. India’s qualification also mirrors the success story of the Indian women’s team, who were promoted to the Sevens Series last year despite finishing runners-up in the Trophy after the division’s expansion. Their participation at the top level has already raised the visibility of Indian rugby, and the men’s promotion now creates a platform for parallel growth across both programs.
Growing Foundation and Future Outlook
India’s rise in sevens rugby hasn’t been overnight. It’s been built steadily through structured grassroots programs, improved fitness conditioning, and exposure to international tournaments. Rugby India’s collaborations with World Rugby and Asia Rugby have provided Indian players with opportunities to train under elite coaches and play against stronger opponents abroad experience that has clearly paid off in Muscat.
The national team’s performance also reflects the growing depth in the domestic circuit, particularly from states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal, where rugby academies have steadily nurtured young talent. The emergence of players who can perform consistently at the international level shows the widening player pool and the evolution of game awareness in India.
Moreover, the sport’s inclusion in the National Games and Khelo India programs has introduced rugby sevens to newer regions. This broadening base ensures that future teams will have both skill and experience to sustain India’s position in Division 1.
Asia Rugby’s Expanding Landscape
The Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 featured 14 nations a mix of established sides and emerging programs:
🇮🇳 India, 🇦🇫 Afghanistan, 🇧🇭 Bahrain, 🇮🇷 Iran, 🇮🇶 Iraq, 🇯🇴 Jordan, 🇰🇿 Kazakhstan, 🇰🇬 Kyrgyzstan, 🇱🇧 Lebanon, 🇴🇲 Oman, 🇵🇸 Palestine, 🇶🇦 Qatar, 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia, and 🇪🇬 Syria.
India’s rise through such a diverse field underscores the competitiveness of the tournament. Traditional Asian powers like Kazakhstan and Iran have long dominated the Trophy, but India’s well-rounded performances now put them in contention for medals in Division 1 next season.
The promotion means that India will now compete regularly against stronger sides, which is both a challenge and an opportunity. Exposure to faster, more tactical rugby in Division 1 will be crucial in bridging the gap between India and the continent’s powerhouses. For the players, it’s a chance to represent India on one of the sport’s most respected stages and prove their potential against the best in Asia. For Rugby India, it validates years of effort spent building a domestic pathway that connects school-level rugby to the international circuit.
Speaking after the semifinal, team officials emphasized that the achievement was “the result of belief, preparation, and unity.” The squad’s ability to adapt across matches from grinding out close wins to delivering dominant shutouts showcased a maturity that was once lacking in Indian rugby.
India now faces Kazakhstan in the final, a chance to cap their campaign with a Trophy title. But irrespective of the result, the mission has already been accomplished India’s long-awaited promotion is secured. This moment goes beyond medals; it’s about breaking barriers. From a sport once considered fringe, rugby in India has steadily carved its identity. The men’s team’s rise to Division 1 ensures that Indian rugby will continue to grow in visibility, competition, and ambition.
As the tricolor flies high in Muscat, Indian rugby’s journey enters a bold new chapter one built on sweat, teamwork, and belief that the future truly belongs to the brave. 🏉🇮🇳
Final: India 🇮🇳 vs Kazakhstan 🇰🇿 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy 2025
