The Indian Rugby Football Union has announced the Indian U18 Boys and Girls teams for the upcoming Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Rugby 7s Championship 2025. The tournament will take place in Hohhot, China, from September 13-14. The selection of players was based on their performances in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 (Bihar) and the Junior National Championship 2025 (Dehradun).
These domestic tournaments are instrumental in providing young Indian rugby players with valuable competitive experience and national-level exposure.
Rahul Bose, the President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, highlighted the significance of the U18 squads, stating they are the future of Indian rugby. He emphasized the opportunity the championship presents for the players to compete against top Asian teams and pursue their dreams. Bose conveyed his congratulations to all the selected players, expressing his belief in their ability to represent India with pride on the international stage.
The Boys team is set to compete in Pool A, facing strong teams such as Hong Kong China, China, and Qatar. The Girls team will be in Pool D, where they will play against Malaysia, Japan, and Uzbekistan.
Bidyadhar Majhi will lead the U18 Boys team as captain, with Sagar Prakash serving as the vice-captain. The team features several players who will be making their international debuts, including Pushpendra, Pranav Vilas Gavit, Arun Prajapat, Priyanshu Kumar, and Atma Murmu. Also selected are Ajit Nag, Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram, Golden Kumar, Sagar Prakash, and Shivam, who were previously part of the U20 team.
Anshu Kumari will captain the Girls team, supported by Muskan Piploda as vice-captain. The team includes new players such as Anita Murmu, Sushila, Anushka, Samriddhi, and Raymani Murmu. Returning from the U20 team are Aarti Kumari, Alpana Kumari, Anshu Kumari, Mamli Singh, and Muskan Piploda.
Leading the U18 Boys team will be Samuel Myers, a former Australian 7s star, assisted by Vahbiz Bharucha, a former Indian captain. The Girls team will be coached by Kiano Fory, with Arun Dagar as the assistant coach.
India U18 Boys Team: Bidyadhar Majhi (Captain), Sagar Prakash (Vice-Captain), Ajit Nag, Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram, Golden Kumar, Shivam, Pushpendra, Pranav Vilas Gavit, Arun Prajapat, Priyanshu Kumar, Atma Murmu.
India U18 Girls Team: Anshu Kumari (Captain), Muskan Piploda (Vice-Captain), Aarti Kumari, Alpana Kumari, Mamli Singh, Anita Murmu, Sushila, Anushka, Samriddhi, Raymani Murmu, Vijayshree Rathore, Saloni Kumari.