Bhubaneswar, Nov 9:  Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj today reviewed the preparations for hosting the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship 2026, scheduled to be held at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on November 14 and 15.

The championship is jointly organised by Rugby India, the Sports and Youth Services Department, and the Odisha Rugby Football Association. A total of 17 teams, comprising 10 men's and 07 women's teams from 10 countries, will participate in the two-day international event. The participating countries are India, Hong Kong China, Uzbekistan, Chinese Taipei, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Jordan.

Eight players from Odisha have earned places in the Indian U20 squads, including five in the men's team and three in the women's team. Bharat Kisan, Vidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Rahul Majhi and Subash Hansda have been selected in the men's squad, while Mamali Singh, Anita Murmu and Sumitra Murmu will represent the country in the women's category.

The Indian U20 men's squad comprises Pushpender (Captain), Rajan Rawat (Vice-Captain), Ajit Nag, Aman, Arun Prajapat, Bharat Kisan, Bidyadhar Majhi, Charan Hembram, Naman Yadav, Rahul Majhi, Rohit Kumar and Subash Hansdah.

The women's squad includes Tanushree Bhosale (Captain), Mamali Singh (Vice-Captain), Akshaya NS, Anita Murmu, Anushka Sankpal, Dipali Tathe, Khushi Devi, Kirti Jadhav, Aditi Sakharam Londhe, Saloni Kumari, Samruddhi Kadam and Sumitra Murmu.

During the review meeting, the Minister took stock of all arrangements for the smooth conduct of the championship.

He directed officials to ensure proper arrangements for the arrival, accommodation, transportation and hospitality of participating players and teams.

He also stressed the need for adequate security for players and spectators, deployment of police personnel, drinking water and sanitation facilities, uninterrupted power supply and fire safety measures at the venue.

Describing the hosting of the international championship as a matter of pride for Odisha, Suraj said the state had already hosted three national-level rugby championships at Kalinga Stadium this year, including the Sub-Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship, ASMITA Rugby League – National and National Rugby 15s Championship – Division I.

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He said that hosting the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship would further strengthen Odisha's position on the international sporting map. The event would also inspire young sportspersons from Odisha and across the country to pursue a future in rugby, he added.

Sports Secretary Bhupendra Singh Poonia; Police Commissioner Dr. Suresh Dev Datta Singh; BMC Commissioner Chanchal Rana; Director, Sports and Youth Services, Dr. Yeddula Vijay; Additional Director, Information and Public Relations Department, Deeptimayee Mahapatra, and other senior officials attended the meeting.