The Indian Rugby Football Union has announced the Indian U18 Boys and Girls teams for the Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Rugby 7s Championship 2025, scheduled to take place in Hohhot, China, from September 13-14. The selection process heavily involved the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 (Bihar) and the Junior National Championship 2025 (Dehradun), which played a significant role in identifying and shortlisting players.
These domestic competitions are proving to be a major platform for providing emerging players within the Indian rugby framework with competitive experience and opportunities at the national level.
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, stated that the U18 Boys and Girls squads represent the future of Indian rugby. The championship offers a significant opportunity for them to test themselves against the best teams in Asia and aim for their dreams. He congratulated all the selected players, expressing confidence in their ability to make India proud on the international stage.
The Boys team will compete in Pool A against strong teams like Hong Kong China, China, and Qatar. The Girls team will face Malaysia, Japan, and Uzbekistan in Pool D.
Bidyadhar Majhi will captain the U18 Boys team, with Sagar Prakash as vice-captain. Several players will be making their international debut, including Pushpendra, Pranav Vilas Gavit, Arun Prajapat, Priyanshu Kumar, and Atma Murmu. Additionally, Ajit Nag, Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram, Golden Kumar, Sagar Prakash, and Shivam, who were recently part of the U20 team, have also been selected.
Anshu Kumari will lead the Girls team as captain, with Muskan Piploda as vice-captain. Anita Murmu, Sushila, Anushka, Samriddhi, and Raymani Murmu will be making their debut in the team. Returning from the U20 team are Aarti Kumari, Alpana Kumari, Anshu Kumari, Mamli Singh, and Muskan Piploda, who will bring experience to the squad.
The U18 Boys team will be coached by former Australian 7s star Samuel Myers, assisted by former Indian captain Vahbiz Bharucha. The Girls team will be guided 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.