Bhubaneswar: Odisha is hosting the 69th National School Games Federation of India (SGFI) Rugby Championship 2025–26 at Kalinga Stadium, bringing together young rugby players from across the country.
The national-level championship, featuring both boys and girls in Under-17 and Under-14 categories, began on Monday and will continue till April 10.
The inaugural ceremony was attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Sports and Youth Services Department Bhupendra Singh Poonia as the chief guest. Other dignitaries present included Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the School and Mass Education Department Dr. N. Thirumala Naik, Director of Secondary Education Birendra Korkora, Assistant Director (PET) Jyoti Prasad Parida, SGFI Observer Arvind Yadav, and international rugby player Dumuni Marandi.
Addressing the participants, Poonia encouraged young athletes to compete with true sportsmanship and aspire to represent their state and the country at international levels.
SGFI Observer Arvind Yadav appreciated the School and Mass Education Department and thanked the Odisha government for hosting the championship at a venue like Kalinga Stadium. He expressed hope that Odisha would continue to host more international-level sporting events in the future.
International rugby player Dumuni Marandi also interacted with the participants and shared her experiences to motivate the young athletes.
According to the schedule, Under-17 boys’ and girls’ matches are being held on April 6 and 7, while competitions in the Under-14 category will take place on April 9 and 10.
Around 460 players from 15 states and organisations are participating in the Under-17 category. The participating teams include Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, CBSE Welfare Sports Organisation, and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
The championship is expected to provide a platform for young talent to showcase their skills and gain exposure at the national level.
