Bihar’s U18 boys’ rugby team were crowned national champions after edging past defending champions Odisha 17-15 in a gripping final at the 10th Junior National Rugby 7s Championship on July 13 in Dehradun.
The win comes just days after the Bihar U18 girls lifted their title at the same venue, giving the state a historic double in the national youth rugby championships a feat last achieved by Bihar in 2022.
The championships were organised by Rugby India in collaboration with the Uttarakhand Rugby Football Association at Maharana Pratap Sports College.
Officials, players, and fans have lauded Bihar’s consistent rise in junior-level rugby, citing teamwork, grassroots investment, and regional pride as key drivers of their success.
Golden Tries and Grit: Bihar’s Boys Edge Odisha in a Thriller
Bihar’s U18 boys displayed nerves of steel and tactical precision in the grand finale, defeating Odisha 17-15 in one of the most closely contested matches of the tournament.
Goldan Kumar emerged as the star of the day, scoring two brilliant tries including the decisive final try in the dying minutes of the match. He was supported by Sunny Kumar, who added one try to the scoreboard.
Odisha’s valiant effort saw tries from Mantu Tudu, Subash Hansdah, and Eswar Pujari, but they ultimately fell short by a thin margin. Bihar’s dominance was evident throughout the tournament, with the boys defeating Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab, West Bengal, and Maharashtra in earlier rounds maintaining an unbeaten streak.
“This win is not just a medal, it’s motivation,” said Ravi Shankar, coach of the Bihar boys’ team. “These boys have practised on small grounds, sometimes without gear, but their hearts have always been in the right place.”
Resilience Redefined: Bihar’s Rise Continues in Youth Rugby
Bihar’s clean sweep of both boys’ and girls’ U18 titles marks more than just victory; it reflects a deep-rooted momentum in grassroots sports. Widely seen as underdogs just a few years ago, Bihar’s junior rugby teams have rewritten the narrative through sheer perseverance and community-driven development.
This is not the first time Bihar has achieved this feat they last did it in 2022, defeating Odisha in both finals. In fact, Bihar and Odisha have crafted an exciting and growing rivalry in junior rugby, often meeting at title stages in Khelo India Youth Games and national championships.
Speaking to the press, Nasser Hussain, Director of Rugby India, said, “Bihar’s consistency at the junior level is a testament to what strategic grassroots outreach and powerful local mentorship can achieve.
States like Bihar and Odisha are shaping the future of Indian rugby.” Enthusiasts praised the entire tournament, hosted in Dehradun, for its spirit of sportsmanship and inclusion across 20+ states.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
What Bihar’s young rugby players have achieved is both historic and heartening. Their twin triumphs are a reminder that greatness can flourish anywhere when guided by hope, community effort, and equal opportunity.
At The Logical Indian, we believe that sport is not merely about competition it’s about unity, resilience, and representing the dreams of countless others who dare to be seen and heard. Bihar’s U18 teams have set an example not just for aspiring athletes, but for every state hoping to empower its youth through sport.
