India’s men and women prepare for a high-stakes battle against Asia’s top rugby nations on October 17–18, as the 2026 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series reaches its decisive final round.
Mumbai : The stage is set for a crucial rugby sevens showdown in Colombo, Sri Lanka, where India’s senior men’s and women’s teams will look to finish the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 on a strong note on October 17 and 18.
With the season’s final round approaching, India face a demanding challenge against some of the continent’s strongest sides. The tournament will not only test the teams’ ability to compete under pressure but also provide an opportunity to assess their progress against established regional opponents.
Both Indian squads arrive in Colombo after competing in the opening round in Suzhou, China. While the women finished sixth, the men recorded a victory in their debut campaign in the Series’ top division before ending the round in 12th place.
Indian Women Face Japan in Crucial Pool D Battle
The Indian women’s team will be looking to build on a promising year after securing sixth place at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, their best-ever finish at the Games. They also secured sixth position in Round 1 of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series.
India have been drawn in Pool D alongside Japan, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Iran. The draw presents a familiar challenge, with all three opponents having faced India in the opening round.
Japan, the reigning Round 1 champions, will be a particularly tough test. India will need to raise their level of performance if they are to challenge the tournament favourites and secure important results in Colombo.
Bhumika Shukla will captain the Indian women’s squad, with Vaishnavi Patil serving as vice-captain.
Men’s Team Braces for Hong Kong China Challenge
The Indian men’s team has been placed in Pool A with Hong Kong China, the UAE and hosts Sri Lanka.
Hong Kong China, who won the men’s title in Suzhou, will be among India’s toughest opponents. The Indian side will aim to build on the experience gained during its first campaign in the Series’ top division, where the team managed to secure a win despite finishing 12th overall.
Playing against the hosts and other competitive Asian sides will provide another opportunity for India to test its combinations, sharpen its game and pursue a better finish in the final round.
Mohit Khatri will lead the men’s team as captain, while Sumit Kumar Roy has been named vice-captain.
Asia Rugby Sevens Champions to Be Decided in Colombo
The two-day competition will bring the 2026 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series to a close, with the overall men’s and women’s champions to be determined after Round 2.
For India, the immediate objective will be to turn the lessons from Suzhou into improved performances. The women will seek to build on their encouraging progress at the Asian Games, while the men will look to gain ground against the region’s leading teams.
With Japan and Hong Kong China entering the tournament as the respective Round 1 champions, the challenge will be significant. India’s performances in Colombo will be closely watched as both teams seek to end the series on a positive note.
India’s Final Squads for Colombo
Senior Men’s Team: Mohit Khatri (Captain), Sumit Kumar Roy (Vice-Captain), Ajay Deswal, Arpan Chhetri, Aryan Dixit, Asis Sabar, Deepak Punia, Deshraj Singh, Ganesh Majhi, Hitesh Dagar, Jugal Majhi, Shivam Shukla and Shridhar Nigade.
Senior Women’s Team: Bhumika Shukla (Captain), Vaishnavi Patil (Vice-Captain), Amandeep Kaur, Arati Murmu, Arti Kumari, Athira K P, Dumuni Marndi, Kalyani Patil, Mama Naik, Nirmalya Rout, Sandhya Rai, Shikha Yadav and Sweety Kumari.
As the countdown to the Colombo showdown begins, India’s rugby teams will be aiming to deliver competitive performances against Asia’s best and close the 2026 series with renewed confidence.
