Rajgir buzzed with excitement on April 21 as Haryana scripted a comeback story in the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship 2026. Overcoming last year’s heartbreak, they toppled Maharashtra 17-12 in a nail-biting final to lift the men’s trophy in the tournament’s 13th edition.
The State Sports Complex witnessed a spectacle of speed and strategy. Haryana struck first via Neeraj Khatri, only for Maharashtra’s Sunil Chavhan to level it. Mohit Khatri’s response kept Haryana ahead, and in pivotal phases, Ajay Deswal and Deepak Kumar Punia extended the lead with a try and conversion.
Maharashtra mounted a late surge, courtesy of Prashant Singh and Shridhar Nigade, but Haryana’s defensive resilience proved decisive. In the bronze medal clash, West Bengal dominated Rajasthan 26-5, capping a strong campaign.
From pre-quarterfinals to semifinals, the competition was unrelenting. Maharashtra crushed West Bengal 36-5, while Haryana blanked Rajasthan 38-0 to advance. Standout performers included top scorer Rajan Rawat (76 points from Rajasthan), Shridhar Nigade (59), and Karan Rajbhar (55).
Rahul Bose, Rugby India chief, hailed the championship as evidence of rugby’s growth trajectory in the nation. This victory not only crowns Haryana but signals brighter prospects for Indian rugby sevens on the global stage.
