India has etched its name in rugby folklore with a spectacular runners-up finish at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 in Muscat, Oman. The Indian men’s rugby sevens team’s remarkable campaign concluded with a silver medal and, more importantly, historic promotion to Asia’s premier Division 1 competition for the first time ever.
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The Journey to Glory: India’s Unbeaten Run to the Final
The Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 witnessed India deliver their most impressive rugby performance to date. Under the expert guidance of head coach Ben Gollings, a former England international and world sevens legend, the Indian team showcased exceptional discipline, skill, and tactical awareness throughout the tournament held on October 25-26, 2025.
India’s path to the final was nothing short of sensational, maintaining an unbeaten record until the championship match. The team’s campaign began with a thrilling 14-10 comeback victory against Lebanon, demonstrating the mental resilience that would define their tournament run.
India’s Tournament Results – Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025
| Match | Opponent | Result | Stage | Key Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match 1 | Lebanon | India 14-10 | Pool Stage | Comeback victory |
| Match 2 | Afghanistan | India 26-5 | Pool Stage | Dominant display |
| Quarter-Final | Iran | India 21-7 | Knockout | Clinical finish |
| Semi-Final | Saudi Arabia | India 17-0 | Knockout | Defensive masterclass |
| Final | Kazakhstan | 0-27 Loss | Championship | Silver Medal |
The momentum continued to build as India secured a commanding 26-5 victory over Afghanistan, effectively topping their pool. The knockout stages saw the team reach new heights with a clinical 21-7 quarter-final triumph over Iran, followed by a defensive masterclass in the semi-final against Saudi Arabia, winning 17-0.
Historic Promotion: India Joins Asia’s Elite Rugby Nations
The Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 operates under a two-tier system, with Division 1 representing the continent’s premier competition featuring eight elite teams, while Division 2 (the Trophy) serves as the pathway for emerging nations seeking promotion. India’s journey to the final guaranteed their elevation to Division 1, joining rugby powerhouses like Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China.
This achievement represents years of dedicated development work by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU). The transformation has been remarkable, considering India had consistently competed in the Trophy division without breaking through to the top tier until this breakthrough campaign.
Asia Rugby Structure – Division Breakdown
| Division | Status | Teams | Competition Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Division 1 | Elite Tier | 8 teams | Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series |
| Division 2 | Trophy Level | 13 teams | Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy |
Both India and Kazakhstan earned promotion as finalists, marking a significant milestone in Indian rugby’s development trajectory. The achievement mirrors the success of the Indian women’s team, meaning both senior squads now compete in Asia Rugby’s premier divisions.
The Final Heartbreak and Silver Medal Glory
Despite the eventual 0-27 defeat to Kazakhstan in the final, India’s achievement cannot be understated. The Kazakhs proved too strong on the day, but the Indian team’s journey to the championship match represented the culmination of systematic development and strategic planning.
Captain Prashant Singh led from the front throughout the tournament, while standout performers included Deepak, who finished as India’s leading scorer with 17 points, and Prashant himself, contributing 16 points to the team’s cause.
Head coach Ben Gollings expressed immense pride in his team’s performance: “I’m incredibly proud of this team. In a short span, the players have shown immense dedication, focus, and teamwork. Achieving promotion to the top-tier Sevens Series is a significant milestone. While the final wasn’t ours, this experience lays a strong foundation as we continue to grow.”
Building the Foundation: India’s Rugby Revolution
India’s success at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 represents the fruits of comprehensive structural reforms within Indian rugby. The transformation has been supported by strategic partnerships, including Capgemini serving as the Transformation Partner through 2028, and NTPC’s new CSR agreement funding team development, infrastructure, and international exposure.
The team’s composition reflects the strength of India’s developing rugby ecosystem, with most players progressing through the Rugby Premier League (RPL) and age-group national systems. Notably, Sumit Kumar Roy, who captained the U20 men’s team earlier this year, seamlessly transitioned to senior competition, underlining India’s commitment to developing continuity between youth and senior levels.
Key Performance Statistics
| Category | India’s Performance | Tournament Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Matches Played | 5 | Unbeaten until final |
| Points Scored | 78 | Strong attacking display |
| Points Conceded | 49 | Solid defensive record |
| Top Scorer | Deepak (17 points) | Individual excellence |
| Captain Performance | Prashant Singh (16 points) | Leadership by example |
Recognition and Future Aspirations
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), lauded the team’s historic achievement: “This tournament demonstrates the steady growth and belief within Indian men’s rugby. The players showed heart, discipline, and skill in every match.”
The recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has provided unprecedented backing for India’s rugby development. This blend of private investment and state support ensures sustainable growth from grassroots participation to professional pathways.
Impact Beyond the Tournament
India’s runners-up finish at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025 extends far beyond medals and promotion. The achievement serves as a powerful statement of intent, positioning India among Asia’s competitive rugby nations. The result validates the investment in high-performance programs and grassroots development that has transformed Indian rugby’s landscape.
The promotion to Division 1 means India will face stiffer competition in 2026, competing against established rugby nations in the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series. This exposure will provide invaluable experience and accelerate the development of Indian rugby at the international level.
Looking ahead, the team’s success in Muscat has set new benchmarks and expectations. The foundation laid through systematic development, quality coaching, and strategic partnerships provides optimism for continued growth and success in Asian rugby.
The silver medal achievement represents not just a culmination of hard work, but the beginning of India’s journey as a legitimate force in Asian rugby. With both men’s and women’s teams now competing at the highest level, India is poised to make an even greater impact on the continental rugby stage.
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FAQs
What does India’s promotion to Division 1 mean for Indian rugby?
India’s promotion to Division 1 means they will compete in the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2026 alongside elite teams like Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and China. This represents the highest level of Asian rugby competition and provides invaluable international exposure.
How did India qualify for the final of the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy 2025?
India maintained an unbeaten record through the tournament, defeating Lebanon 14-10, Afghanistan 26-5, Iran 21-7 in the quarter-final, and Saudi Arabia 17-0 in the semi-final to earn their place in the championship match against Kazakhstan.
Who were the key performers for India in the tournament?
Captain Prashant Singh and Deepak were India’s standout performers, scoring 16 and 17 points respectively. The team was coached by Ben Gollings, a former England international and world sevens legend, who guided the tactical approach throughout the campaign.
Is this India’s first major achievement in Asian rugby sevens?
Yes, this is India’s first-ever promotion to Division 1 of Asian rugby sevens. Previously, India had consistently competed in the Trophy division without breaking through to the elite tier, making this achievement historic for Indian rugby.
What impact will this success have on rugby development in India?
The achievement validates India’s investment in rugby infrastructure, coaching, and grassroots development. With both men’s and women’s teams now in premier divisions, it signals a new era for Indian rugby and should inspire increased participation and support for the sport across the country.
