The next generation of Indian rugby talent displayed both promise and resilience at the U18 Asia Rugby Sevens, with the women’s team booking a place in the semifinals and the men’s side impressing against seasoned opponents.
The tournament, hosted in China, brought together the best junior rugby sevens squads from across Asia, offering a valuable platform for exposure and growth. India’s U18 women’s team made history by qualifying for the semifinals with a mix of determination, attacking flair, and defensive grit. Led by their inspirational captain Anshu Kumari, the side bounced back strongly after a tough opening defeat.
Results (Group Stage):
- India 7-50 Japan
- India 14-5 Uzbekistan
- India 24-5 Malaysia
The campaign began with a daunting clash against Japan, a regional powerhouse with a polished and physical game. Despite the 7-50 scoreline, India managed to record a landmark moment as captain Anshu Kumari scored a try against the formidable Japanese defence. That breakthrough symbolised both India’s belief and their intent to compete at the highest level. Learning quickly from that defeat, the girls regrouped for their second fixture against Uzbekistan.
With better control in possession and sharper defensive lines, India secured their first victory of the tournament, winning 14-5. The result not only restored confidence but also kept their semifinal hopes alive. The decisive group match came against Malaysia, a team with a strong history in junior rugby. India, however, played their best rugby of the tournament. Using their pace on the flanks and keeping composure under pressure, they recorded an emphatic 24-5 win. Once again, Anshu Kumari led from the front, adding to her tally of four tries across the group stage.
With two wins from three matches, India qualified for the semifinals, where they will now face hosts China.
Anshu Kumari: A Captain Leading by Example
Much of India’s success in the women’s campaign can be credited to captain Anshu Kumari’s leadership. The youngster not only motivated her teammates but also delivered consistently on the field, scoring four tries in the group stage. Her try against Japan, despite the heavy defeat, stood out as a moment of pride proof that India can breach even the toughest defences. Her performances have underlined the growing depth in India’s women’s rugby, where junior players are learning the art of sevens rugby through a mix of exposure tours and competitive international fixtures.
The Indian U18 men’s team faced a tougher draw but showed grit and flashes of quality against some of Asia’s strongest rugby nations. Their results reflected both the challenges of competing at this level and the progress being made.
Results (Group Stage):
- India 0-36 China
- India 24-5 Qatar
- India 19-29 Hong Kong
The opening game against hosts China was a baptism of fire, with India struggling to match the physicality and speed of the Chinese squad. The 0-36 loss was a stark reminder of the levels to be reached. But the boys bounced back impressively against Qatar. Playing with aggression and speed, they ran in multiple tries to seal a 24-5 win. The result was particularly commendable given that Qatar fielded a squad bolstered by overseas players with international experience.
Their final match of the group stage was perhaps the most encouraging. Facing Hong Kong, a heavyweight in Asian rugby, India took an early lead and matched their opponents in intensity for long stretches. Though the final scoreline read 19-29, the narrow defeat highlighted the progress India’s juniors have made.
The ability to trouble an established rugby nation like Hong Kong is a positive sign for the program’s long-term development.
The results in China did not come out of nowhere. Both Indian squads benefited from preparation tours to Malaysia and Thailand earlier this year, where they played competitive friendlies to adapt to international standards. Those tours gave the players a chance to acclimatize to different styles of rugby, improve fitness levels, and gain valuable confidence. The impact of these tours was visible in the way the teams regrouped after early setbacks. The women’s team, in particular, showed maturity in recovering from the heavy defeat to Japan, while the men’s team demonstrated adaptability against Qatar and Hong Kong.
India’s performance at the U18 Asia Rugby Sevens 2025 highlights both progress and potential. The women’s team reaching the semifinals is a landmark achievement, one that builds on the growing momentum of women’s rugby in the country. For the men, the ability to secure a win and challenge Hong Kong despite the loss is equally significant.
At the junior level, results are not just about medals but about building a pathway for the future. Players like Anshu Kumari are emerging as role models who can inspire the next wave of talent. Similarly, the men’s spirited displays suggest that India is beginning to close the gap with Asia’s established rugby nations.
The U18 Asia Rugby Sevens in China has provided Indian rugby with a platform to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. For the women, a place in the semifinals validates the work being done at the grassroots and the impact of strong leadership on the field. For the men, the fight shown against Hong Kong is a reminder that India is not far from breaking into the next level of competition.
As both teams continue their journey, these performances serve as a stepping stone. They reflect the resilience, talent, and determination of a new generation of Indian rugby players who are not only representing their nation but also carrying forward the dream of making rugby a mainstream sport in India.
