Haryana reclaimed national glory in emphatic fashion, defeating Maharashtra 17–12 to win the India National Rugby 7s Championship 2026 at the State Sports Complex in Rajgir, Bihar.
The final was a thrilling contest from start to finish. Haryana struck first through Neeraj Khatri, setting the tone early. Maharashtra quickly responded with a try from Sunil Chawan, but Haryana hit back almost immediately as Mohit Khatri restored their lead. A crucial try by Ajay Deswal, followed by a successful conversion from Deepak Kumar Punia, gave Haryana valuable breathing space. Maharashtra refused to surrender, with Prashant Singh scoring and Shridhar Nigade adding the conversion, but Haryana held firm under late pressure to secure the title.
The championship featured 26 men’s teams, showcasing the growing strength of rugby across India. Haryana’s triumph adds another chapter to their proud rugby history, further cementing their reputation as one of the nation’s powerhouses.
Earlier in the semifinals, Maharashtra stunned defending champions West Bengal 36–5, while Haryana overwhelmed Rajasthan 38–0. West Bengal bounced back to claim third place with a 26–5 victory over Rajasthan.
Rajasthan’s Rajan Rawat finished as the tournament’s top scorer with an impressive 76 points. The tournament, organised by Rugby India, once again highlighted the rising standard of Indian rugby.
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