India’s senior men’s team clinched the silver medal at the CASA Rugby 7s 2026 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, kicking off the international rugby season positively for Rugby India. The men’s team showcased a strong performance, winning four consecutive matches to secure a spot in the final. They remained unbeaten until facing Sri Lanka in the final round-robin fixture.
In the title clash, India’s men’s team faced Sri Lanka once again, ultimately securing the silver medal with a 10-31 scoreline. The tournament marked a promising start under the guidance of newly appointed Head Coach Paul Albaladejo. The senior women’s team, comprising young talents scouted from the domestic circuit and Senior Nationals, displayed resilience throughout the competition despite a challenging start against Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
Responding emphatically, the women’s team registered a commanding 72-0 victory over Kyrgyzstan and continued their winning streak with a 33-0 triumph against Mongolia. Notably, they handed eventual champions Sri Lanka their sole defeat with a thrilling 22-19 win, secured by a last-minute try from Mahak. The women’s team concluded the tournament in fourth place after a closely contested 14-20 match against hosts Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff.
Reflecting on the event, Rugby India President Rahul Bose highlighted the significance of CASA 7s in providing crucial international exposure to both the men’s and women’s programs. The tournament showcased several commendable performances as the teams gear up for the rest of the 2026 season. Mahak was honored as the CASA 7s Women’s Player of the Tournament for her exceptional performance, finishing as India’s top scorer with nine tries.
