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Mumbai: The Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) today announced the national women’s squad that will compete in Leg 1 of the Asia Rugby Emirates Women’s Sevens Series 2025, scheduled for September 20-21 in Hangzhou, China. The tournament will be staged at the iconic Hangzhou Normal University, which famously hosted the rugby sevens competition at the 2023 Asian Games.

This year’s Asia Rugby Sevens Series ushers in a new era, with the competition expanding to feature 12 teams in both men’s and women’s divisions, up from 8 in previous editions. India’s qualification to this elite field is the result of consistent performances at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, where the women’s team secured four consecutive silver medals-a remarkable achievement that underscored their steady rise and resilience on the continental stage.

The stakes are higher than ever: the top-placed team (excluding Japan and China, who already feature in the global HSBC SVNS) will earn qualification to World Rugby’s HSBC SVNS Division 3, formerly known as the Sevens Challenger Series.

Speaking on the announcement, Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, said:

“This is a historic moment for Indian Rugby. For the first time, our women’s team will play in the Asia Rugby Sevens Series Asia’s top-tier sevens competition. Their hard work, consistency, and medal-winning performances at the Sevens Trophy have earned them this opportunity. Playing at this level not only tests our players against Asia’s best but also strengthens our long-term pathway to global competition. My congratulations to the team, coaches, and support staff. May this be the beginning of India’s journey into the top echelon of women’s rugby.”

The team will be coached by Paul Del

port, a decorated Springbok Sevens veteran, two-time SVNS winner, and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist (2010), who brings with him more than a decade of professional rugby experience. He will be assisted by Terence Joseph.

Captain Shikha Yadav shared her thoughts ahead of the historic debut:

“To lead India into the Asia Rugby Sevens Series for the first time is a huge honour. We’ve trained hard, we’ve built strong bonds, and now we’re ready to show that India belongs at this level. Playing in Hangzhou, against Asia’s best, will challenge us, but we’re determined to make every game count and inspire the next generation of Indian women in rugby.”

Paul Delport, Head Coach of the Indian Women’s Sevens Team, added:

“This team has shown real character over the last month, consistently performing under pressure and working tirelessly in training. The Sevens Series is a significant step up, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity. Our focus is on playing brave, smart, and disciplined rugby, and using this platform to lay the foundation for India’s future in the global game.”

The announced squad will represent India in Leg 1 (Hangzhou, September 20-21). A separate squad will be selected for Leg 2 (Colombo, October 18-19), following a review of performances and training outcomes.

India are drawn in Pool F alongside Hong Kong China, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Confirmed Squad: Shikha Yadav (C), Dumuni Marndi (VC), Amandeep Kaur, Mama Naik, Ujjwala Ghuge, Akanksha Anand Katkade, Guriya Kumari, Sandhya Rai, Bhumika Shukla, Sandhyarani Tudu, Nirmalya Rout, Arti Kumari, Kalyani Patil