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  Senior National Rugby 7s: Odisha women regain title
17 Apr 2026
 

Odisha women recaptured the crown in the 13th Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, trouncing defending champions Bihar 27-0 in the lop-sided final at the State Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar today. With this victory Odisha avenged the defeat they suffered against Bihar in the final last year. Odisha received a cash award of Rs 2.5 lakh, along with the champions trophy and gold medal.

The final marked the third successive summit clash between Odisha and Bihar, underlining their dominance in the womens competition. Leading Odisha from the front, Nirmalya Rout scored 15 points through three tries, while Tarulata Naik added 10 points with two tries. Parbati Hansdah also got on the scoresheet, sealing a comprehensive victory and a third national title in six years for Odisha women.

 

While Bihar settled for the silver medal, West Bengal bagged the bronze medal, making mincemeat of Delhi 26-0. Earlier in the semifinals, Odisha outclashed West Bengal 31-7, while Bihar got the better of Delhi 33-7. Odisha emerged champions winning six matches in a row and remaining unbeaten throughout the two-day championship.

Odisha women started their campaign on a sparkling note, winning both of their league matches in Group-B. They hammered Telangana 66-0 and Haryana 27-0 to advance to the pre-quarterfinals, where they blanked Jharkhand 43-0. Later in the quarterfinals, Odisha humbled Maharashtra 41-0.

The championship witnessed impressive attacking play from the top teams with Odisha finishing as the highest-scoring side with 235 points, followed by West Bengal and Bihar with 229 and 227 points respectively.

Individually, Sandhya Rai (West Bengal) was the top scorer of the tournament with 57 points, followed by Tarulata Naik (Odisha) and Arti Kumari (Bihar) with 56 and 55 points respectively.

ODISHA WOMEN TEAM: Nirmalya Rout (Captain), Tarulata Naik, Mama Naik, Gitarani Sai, Pushpanjali Bhoi, Rasmita Xalxo, Sandhyarani Tudu, Sunita Hansdah, Parbati Hansdah, Sumitra Murmu, Hisi Tudu, Arati Murmu. Coaches: Dhiren Kumar Rout, Kumkum, Rajani Sabar.
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PICS: Players and coaches of Odisha women team pose with the champions trophy and gold medals at the 13th Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship in Rajgir on 17 April 2026. Pics credit: Rugby India & Future Star Sports Academy

 
   

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