The Indian Rugby Football Union has unveiled the Indian U18 Boys and Girls teams that will compete in the Asia Rugby Emirates U18 Rugby 7s Championship 2025 in Hohhot, China, from September 13-14. Player selection was significantly influenced by performances in the Khelo India Youth Games 2025 (Bihar) and the Junior National Championship 2025 (Dehradun).
These domestic competitions provide a crucial pathway for emerging Indian rugby players, offering them competitive experience and national-level opportunities.
Rahul Bose, President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, expressed his view that the U18 Boys and Girls squads represent the future of Indian rugby. He emphasized the championship’s value as a platform for the players to compete against top Asian teams and pursue their goals. Bose extended his congratulations to the selected players, expressing his confidence in their ability to represent India honorably on the international stage.
The Boys team will participate in Pool A, facing strong teams such as Hong Kong China, China, and Qatar. The Girls team will be placed in Pool D, with matches against Malaysia, Japan, and Uzbekistan.
Bidyadhar Majhi will lead the U18 Boys team as captain, supported by Sagar Prakash as vice-captain. Several players are set to make their international debuts, including Pushpendra, Pranav Vilas Gavit, Arun Prajapat, Priyanshu Kumar, and Atma Murmu. Furthermore, Ajit Nag, Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram, Golden Kumar, Sagar Prakash, and Shivam, who previously represented the U20 team, have also been chosen.
Anshu Kumari will captain the Girls team, with Muskan Piploda serving as vice-captain. New additions to the team include Anita Murmu, Sushila, Anushka, Samriddhi, and Raymani Murmu. Returning from the U20 team are Aarti Kumari, Alpana Kumari, Anshu Kumari, Mamli Singh, and Muskan Piploda.
The U18 Boys team will be coached by Samuel Myers, a former Australian 7s star, with Vahbiz Bharucha, a former Indian captain, assisting. Kiano Fory will coach the Girls team, supported by assistant coach Arun Dagar.
India U18 Boys Team: Bidyadhar Majhi (Captain), Sagar Prakash (Vice-Captain), Ajit Nag, Bharat Kisan, Charan Hembram, Golden Kumar, Shivam, Pushpendra, Pranav Vilas Gavit, Arun Prajapat, Priyanshu Kumar, Atma Murmu.
India U18 Girls Team: Anshu Kumari (Captain), Muskan Piploda (Vice-Captain), Aarti Kumari, Alpana Kumari, Mamli Singh, Anita Murmu, Sushila, Anushka, Samriddhi, Raymani Murmu, Vijayshree Rathore, Saloni Kumari.