India clinch historic bronze at Rugby U20 Sevens Asia Cup 2025

India women’s rugby team defeated Uzbekistan 12-5 in the bronze match to seal the medal.

The Indian U20 women’s rugby team etched their names into history by winning the nation’s first-ever medal at the Women’s U20 Sevens Asia Cup 2025, securing bronze in Rajgir, Bihar.

The Bhumika Shukla-led India defeated Uzbekistan 12-5 in the bronze medal match on home soil on August 10, Sunday. Bhumika opened the scoring to make it 7-0, before Guriya Kumari crossed the line to extend the lead to 12-0.

Uzbekistan fought back, but India held firm bolstered by the home crowd and won the match under head coach Kiano Fourie. China claimed the championship, defeating Hong Kong China 31-14 in the final.

India enjoyed a strong run in the pool stage. They opened their campaign with a 17-10 victory over Kazakhstan, driven by extra ordinary performances from local stars Guriya Kumari, Anshu Kumari, and Alpana Kumari.

The hosts continued their momentum with a dominant 31-7 victory against UAE, with Bhumika scoring twice, vice-captain Tanushree Bhosale adding one, and Muskan Piploda and Anshu completing the rout.

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In their final group stage match, India fell 7-31 to Hong Kong China but still advanced to the semifinals, finishing second in Pool D.

There, they faced tournament favourites China, who had scored 155 points without conceding a single one up to that point. India fought hard but lost 7-28. This meant a bronze medal showdown with Uzbekistan and a chance to make history.

Rugby India President Rahul Bose hailed the achievement. “Winning a medal in front of our home fans is a proud moment for Indian rugby.

Our women were in a very difficult pool and to make the semi-finals was an achievement in itself. The team showed tremendous spirit, and this performance will inspire the next generation of players,” he said.

Speaking of the men’s side, Hong Kong China lifted the U20 Sevens Asia Cup 2025 trophy with 33-0 thrashing of Sri Lanka. Malaysia claimed the bronze medal with 19-7 win over China.

The Indian men’s team, despite a missing a medal, made history in their campaign by sealing a 24-17 victory over UAE — their first-ever win against the Emiratis at U20 level. They followed it up with a win over Kazakhstan to finish fifth at the U20 Sevens Asia Cup 2025.

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