Bihar made history at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025 by winning the U18 Boys’ title, defeating a strong Odisha side 17–15 in a thrilling final. The victory marks a remarkable double for Bihar, coming just days after their U18 Girls’ team also clinched the national title, showcasing the state’s rising dominance in junior rugby.
Held under the aegis of the Rugby India Federation, the championship witnessed top teams from across the country—such as Maharashtra, Delhi, Odisha, and West Bengal—competing with intensity and sportsmanship. Bihar, however, emerged as the standout performer, remaining undefeated throughout the tournament, a feat made possible by exceptional teamwork, discipline, and standout individual performances.
Players like Goldan Kumar and Sunny Kumar played pivotal roles in Bihar’s successful campaign. Goldan’s agility and vision in midfield combined with Sunny’s power-packed runs and defensive prowess proved too much for most teams. Their leadership on the field was evident, especially during the nail-biting final against Odisha, where Bihar edged out a narrow win in the dying moments of the match.
The tournament highlighted Bihar’s growing investment in grassroots rugby development, with local coaching infrastructure and training camps yielding tangible results. Their historic double in both boys’ and girls’ categories marks a turning point in India’s junior rugby narrative, traditionally dominated by states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Odisha.
The Junior National Rugby 7s Championship is not just a competitive platform—it also acts as a key talent pipeline for India’s senior national teams. Many of today’s top Indian rugby players were first scouted at this tournament. With Bihar’s boys and girls now firmly on the radar, their victory could translate into significant contributions at the senior level in the coming years.
The event once again affirmed the growing popularity of rugby sevens in India, especially among youth, and the potential of the sport to thrive beyond metropolitan centers. Bihar’s double triumph will surely inspire more young athletes across the region to take up the sport, and further strengthen India’s push toward becoming a formidable rugby-playing nation on the global stage.
