The 9th Junior and 11th Senior Rugby National Championships are set to kick off later this month with 28 states and over 1300 athletes vying for the top spots in the junior’s and senior’s category. The championship starts with the junior U/18 girls leg, slated to be played over 19th and 20th June followed by the U/18 boys on the 25th and 26th June 2024. The senior category for the men shall be held over the 29th – 30th of June, followed by the women who shall play between 3rd – 4th of July 2024, at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Balewadi, Pune.
“The year 2024 is an important one for Indian Rugby. The composition of our Indian National teams that shall compete at the Asian frontier this year shall be forged from the player pool identified at these national championships. Rugby India is delighted to host the nationals at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium. Our sincere thanks to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the Govt. of Maharashtra, and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Services – Govt. of Maharashtra, for their constant support” Said Mr. Rahul Bose, President, Indian Rugby Football Union.
Defending champions, Odisha, are looking to repeat their unbeaten record from last year both in the juniors and senior women’s category but will come up against strong competition from Maharashtra and West Bengal, who will be looking to knock them off their perch. Defending champions in the boys and men’s category, Bihar and Haryana respectively, will also face strong resistance from a competitive men’s pool with the likes of Odisha, West Bengal, and Maharashtra, all hoping to win this championship.