5th October 2024, Mumbai: The Indian National Rugby Women’s team has won a silver medal for the fourth time at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy. In a valiant effort, the Indian women lost to Philippines by a whisker in the finals of the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, that was held in Kathmandu, Nepal across the 4th & 5th of October 2024.
“While the team is understandably disappointed after such a close encounter, at not winning gold in this edition of the AREST, it can hold its head high at the way in which it played scintillating, no holds barred 7s rugby. A silver medal remains a commendable result for our national women’s team. While Rugby India will constantly strive to turn silver into gold and earn our stripes amongst the top teams in Asia, a streak of four consecutive silver medals is testimony to the consistency and calibre of the ecosystem. We would like to thank the Ministry of Yourh Affairs and Sport, the Sports Authority of India, Cap Gemini and all our partners, especially the Government of Odisha for its unwavering support to our national girls’ and women’s rugby teams.” said Mr. Rahul Bose, President, Indian Rugby Football Union.
Led by Shikha Yadav, the Indian Rugby Women’s team played with great skill and lost the final by a small margin with the score board reading 7-5. The team’s route to the finals was quite comfortable as they saw Guam off in the semi-finals by a huge margin of 24-7 and qualified at the top of their table, stamping their authority beating Sri Lanka 29 – 10 and Indonesia 17-10.
“Winning the silver again is special, but the team is eager to continue the work that each player has been putting in, to convert the colour of this medal to Gold. Personally, I am extremely proud of the way the team has played against formidable sides and has showcased great character at a stage as big as this. This is the most important event of the year for the team and we will come home knowing that we gave it our absolute best. We thank our Head Coach, Waisale Serevi and the entire supporting staff for this medal.” Signed off, Shikha Yadav, Captain, Indian Rugby Women’s Sevens team.