Bihar U18 rugby championship 2025 triumphs as the boys team clinches the Junior National Rugby 7s title by defeating Odisha 17–15 in Dehradun.
Bihar’s Thrilling Triumph at U‑18 Boys’ Junior National Rugby 7s 2025 🏆
A final to remember
In a nail‐biting finale at the 10ᵗʰ Junior National Rugby 7s Championship in Dehradun’s Maharana Pratap Sports College, Bihar clinched the U‑18 Boys’ title, edging out defending champions Odisha by just 17–15. A last‐minute try by Goldan Kumar sealed a historic win for the team
Double glory for Bihar
The victory completed a stunning double sweep: Bihar’s girls had earlier secured the U‑18 Girls’ title, mirroring their achievement from 2022 The state remains the only one to achieve this rare junior-level double.
Journey to the title
Bihar remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, dominating key rounds with emphatic wins:
- Chandigarh: 49–0
- Haryana: 62–0
- Punjab: 29–0
- West Bengal: 39–0
- Maharashtra: 10–5 in the semis
Final match action
Goldan Kumar scored his first try and conversion to open the scoring. Odisha responded through Mantu Tudu, Subash Hansdah, and Eswar Pujari. Sunny Kumar’s crucial try for Bihar set the stage for Goldan’s final winning score. The match saw exceptional individual talent and tactical awareness from both sides
Podium placements
– Champions: Bihar
– Runners-up: Odisha
– Third place: Maharashtra, who defeated Delhi 17‑12 with a golden try from Saurabh Sanjay Rajput after a closely contested match
Spotlight on leadership
Indian Rugby President Rahul Bose praised the tournament’s competitive spirit, emphasizing its role in developing future senior national talents
Consistency across events
The top-four rankings at Dehradun mirrored performances from the Khelo India Youth Games 2025, underscoring consistent excellence among Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Delhi in India’s junior rugby circuits
Why this News is Important 🧠
Boost for regional sports development
Bihar’s U‑18 double sweep is a testimony to their growing sports infrastructure and grassroots programs. Such successes can spur additional investments and participation from underrepresented regions.
Trending growth of rugby sevens
The fast‐paced and dynamic format of rugby sevens appeals greatly to younger athletes, showing promise as India expands beyond cricket, kabaddi, and hockey.
Career pipeline
Junior National Rugby 7s Championships serve as a scouting ground for national selectors. Performances here may lead to selection for India’s senior men’s and women’s rugby teams.
Competition toughens
Odisha, Maharashtra, and Delhi raised the bar high, showcasing a nationwide shift toward stronger training and competitive intensity in junior rugby.
Relevance to exams
For aspirants preparing for teaching, police, banking, railways, civil services, or defence, awareness of notable state-level sports milestones reflects well-rounded GK and current affairs knowledge. Such examples are frequently asked in exam sections covering national achievements, sports, and government policy.
Historical Context: From Underdogs to Powerhouse 🏉
Early beginnings
Rugby arrived in India in the 1870s, largely played in colonial-era cities. However, sustained development began only with the formalisation of the Indian Rugby Football Union in 2001
Junior pathway solidifies
Launched nearly a decade ago, the Junior National Rugby 7s Championship became a competitive cornerstone by 2025, offering states a structured arena to nurture U‑18 athletes.
Bihar’s breakthrough
Previously dominant states like Maharashtra and Odisha have ruled the rugby scene. Bihar’s rise, achieving back‐to‐back doubles in 2022 and 2025, signals a shift in the national sports narrative
Inter-state rivalry
The recurring finals between Bihar and Odisha point toward a growing rivalry, strengthening the competitive standard in junior rugby and enhancing player development.
Key Takeaways from Bihar’s Rugby Double 2025
| S.No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bihar won the U‑18 Boys’ title at the 10ᵗʰ Junior National Rugby 7s, beating Odisha 17–15. |
| 2 | Bihar replicated their 2022 sweep, securing both the U‑18 Boys’ and Girls’ championships. |
| 3 | Bihar remained unbeaten, with dominant wins over Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, and Maharashtra. |
| 4 | The final match was decided by Goldan Kumar’s last-minute try following Sunny Kumar’s earlier score. |
| 5 | The top four—Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra, Delhi—mirrored the ranking order from Khelo India Youth Games 2025. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the Junior National Rugby 7s Championship?
It is an annual rugby tournament organized by Rugby India for U18 boys and girls from various Indian states to promote grassroots-level rugby.
2. Where was the 2025 Junior National Rugby 7s Championship held?
The championship took place at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand.
3. Which teams played the final match in the U18 Boys category?
The final match was played between Bihar and defending champions Odisha.
4. What was the final score in the U18 Boys final?
Bihar defeated Odisha by a close margin of 17–15.
5. Who scored the winning try for Bihar in the final?
Goldan Kumar scored the last-minute winning try for Bihar.
6. Has Bihar won both U18 Boys and Girls titles before?
Yes, Bihar also won both titles in 2022, and repeated the feat in 2025.
7. Which teams secured third and fourth positions in the tournament?
Maharashtra secured third place by defeating Delhi, who came fourth.
8. Who governs Rugby in India?
The governing body for Rugby in India is Rugby India, officially known as the Indian Rugby Football Union.
9. Why is this news important for competitive exams?
It is relevant under the Sports section of General Awareness, commonly asked in exams like SSC, UPSC, PCS, Defence, Railways, and Banking.
10. What does the success of Bihar signify?
It highlights the rise of non-traditional sports states, improved infrastructure, and effective grassroots sports programs in regions like Bihar.
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