Odisha won the title in the 10th Senior Women National Rugby Sevens Championship, defeating host Maharashtra 31-7 in the final at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune (Maharashtra) today. With this win Odisha regained the title after a gap of two years. In the previous edition of the championship, held in Patna, Odisha had settled for the bronze medal.

Earlier in the semifinals, Odisha prevailed over West Bengal 26-5, while Maharashtra got the better of Kerala 14-5. Odishas reached semifinals, dereating Bihar 41-5 in their quarterfinal contest.

Led by experienced international Hupi Majhi, the 12-member Odisha team qualified for the quarterfinals, winning both of their Pool-C league matches against Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat.

With the triumph of their Senior Women team, Odisha clinched a double crown in the National Rugby Sevens Championships. Earlier in the Junior Women National Rugby Sevens Championships, held at the same venue, Odisha emerged champions, trouncing host Maharashtra in the final 52-0.

ODISHA SENIOR WOMEN TEAM: Dumuni Marndi, Tarulata Naik, Rina Singh, Geetarani Sai, Parbati Kisku, Manjulata Pradhan, Hupi Majhi (Captain), Ranjita Naik, Malin Soy, Parbati Hansdah, Nirmalya Rout, Mama Naik. Coach: Rajani Sabara, Manager: Sudhasindhu Sahoo, Physio: Soumyasri Mishra.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOTO: Players, coach and support staff of Odisha women team pose with coveted trophy and gold medals at the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship in Pune on 10 June 2023.