In a major step for women’s rugby, the Indian Rugby Football Union has officially announced the U20 Women’s national squad for the prestigious Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Rugby 7s Championship 2025. The much-anticipated continental tournament is set to electrify Rajgir, Bihar, from 9th to 10th August, marking a historic first as the region welcomes top Asian rugby nations to Indian turf.
Meet India’s U20 Women’s Sevens Dream Team
Selected after an intensive national camp at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre, the final 12-member lineup reflects a blend of talent, grit, and hunger for international glory. Leading the squad as Captain is Bhumika Shukla from Rajasthan, with Tanushree Bhosale of Maharashtra as Vice-Captain. The complete squad for the Indian U20 Women’s team includes:
- Bhumika Shukla (Captain)
- Tanushree Bhosale (Vice-Captain)
- Aarti Kumari
- Akshaya N S
- Alpana Kumari
- Anshu Kumari
- Guria Kumari
- Kyra Vincent
- Mahak
- Mamali Singh
- Muskan Piploda
- Ritu Majhi
This dynamic team brings together players from diverse backgrounds, with a special spotlight on Bihar’s impressive representation—four of the twelve hail from the host state itself. Their inclusion is seen as an inspiration for local sporting ambitions across the region.
Coaches and Preparation: Building a New Era
Guiding the women’s squad is Head Coach Kiano Fourie, ably assisted by Tilak Raj. Fourie, a familiar face in India’s youth rugby development, has played a crucial role in nurturing talent and assembling a squad known for their spirit and cohesiveness. The squad represents the culmination of weeks of rigorous training, fitness assessments, and tactical workshops under his expert guidance.
The Road to Rajgir: Tournament and Format Details
The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Rugby 7s Championship 2025 will unfold over two action-packed days at the Rajgir Sports Complex. The women’s category promises fierce competition, bringing together top U20 sides from across Asia, including:
- India
- China
- UAE
- Hong Kong China
- Kazakhstan
- Uzbekistan
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal (replacing Malaysia this year)
The format features a round-robin phase, followed by Cup semi-finals and Plate matches, ensuring every team gets ample opportunity to display their talent.
Why This Tournament Matters
Hosting the championship at home is a milestone for India’s rugby ambitions. It makes the sport more visible at a grassroots level, inspires young girls, and provides the perfect platform for India’s U20 women to showcase their skill in front of passionate home crowds. It’s also the first time since 2022 that both the U20 men’s and women’s squads participate together at this level, underlining Rugby India’s strategy of gender parity and youth empowerment.
“This team is full of heart and hunger. We’ve bonded well and built a rhythm. We look forward to playing in front of our home crowds and making a name for Indian women’s rugby.”
— Bhumika Shukla, Captain, India U20 Women’s Squad
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is leading the Indian U20 Women’s Rugby 7s team for 2025?
Bhumika Shukla from Rajasthan has been named Captain, with Tanushree Bhosale from Maharashtra as Vice-Captain.
2. When and where will the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Rugby 7s Championship 2025 take place?
The championship is scheduled for August 9–10, 2025, at the Rajgir Sports Complex in Bihar, India.
3. How many teams are competing in the U20 Women’s segment?
Eight national teams, including India, are competing in the women’s U20 segment. Nepal replaces Malaysia in the tournament roster this year.
4. How were the Indian squads selected?
Players were chosen after a thorough national coaching camp that ran from July 3, 2025, at the Netaji Subhas Eastern Centre, Kolkata, focusing on skills, fitness, and teamwork.
5. Why is this tournament important for Indian rugby?
It’s a landmark event for Indian rugby, offering the country’s young women a major platform to compete internationally and inspiring the next generation of rugby players.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Indian U20 Women’s Rugby Sevens squad signals an exciting new chapter for both the team and Indian sports culture. From the blending of regional talent to the pride of representing India on home ground, this squad embodies passion, discipline, and the resolute spirit of Indian women. All eyes will be on Rajgir as these trailblazers take center stage, promising high-energy action and memories for the nation to cherish.
