When was the last time the Indian women's team competed in the Asia Rugby 7s Series?

Finishing as runners-up at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy 2024, the Indian women’s rugby team narrowly missed out on playing the Asia Rugby 7s Series.

India had last played in October 2016, a tournament that proved to be a significant learning experience. Facing fierce competition in Pool D, India went up against powerhouses like Japan, Thailand, and South Korea. The matches were incredibly tough for the Indian side, as they struggled to make an impact in Asia Rugby 7s Series against these well-established teams.

In their first match in the Asia Rugby 7s Series, India faced Thailand, where they lost 0-31. They then met a formidable Japan squad, suffering a 0-43 defeat. Their final group game against South Korea also ended in a 0-38 loss.

Unfortunately, India couldn’t score a single point throughout their group stage matches, and they finished last in their pool. Their overall standing in the tournament was 8th.

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India’s Runner-Up Finish at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy 2024

Fast forward to 2024, the Indian women’s rugby team returned to the international stage with a much-improved performance at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy in Kathmandu, Nepal. This time, they showed their development by advancing all the way to the final of the tournament, showing newfound confidence and skills.

They began the tournament with a powerful display, defeating Sri Lanka 29-10 in their opening match. This victory set the tone for the rest of their campaign, as India continued their dominance with a 17-10 win over Indonesia and a commanding 20-0 victory against Iran.

Their journey to the final wasn’t without its challenges, but India showed grit and determination, particularly in the semifinal, where they beat Guam 24-7 to secure their place in the final. However, in the all-important championship match, they faced the Philippines in a closely contested game. Despite their efforts, India narrowly lost 5-7, missing out on promotion to the prestigious Asia Rugby 7s Series.