SRI LANKA DOMINATE HISTORIC CASA SEVENS CHAMPIONSHIP

History was created in Tashkent as the inaugural Central and South Asia (CASA) Rugby 7s Tournament united emerging rugby nations in a celebration of speed, passion, and regional pride from 16–17 May in Uzbekistan.

Backed by Asia Rugby, the groundbreaking tournament brought together 12 teams from seven nations with one shared mission, to grow the game, strengthen regional competition, and elevate Central and South Asian rugby onto a bigger stage.

Sri Lanka emerged as the biggest winner of the historic weekend, with both their Men’s and Women’s national teams crowned CASA 7s champions in dominant fashion.

The Sri Lankan Men lived up to expectations as tournament favourites, producing an impressive campaign capped by a commanding 31–10 victory over India in the Cup Final. Their pace, structure, and attacking precision proved too strong throughout the tournament. Ramitha Himasha was deservedly named Men’s Player of the Tournament after a series of outstanding performances.

The Sri Lanka Women also delivered a memorable breakthrough campaign. They stunned Kazakhstan 12–5 during pool play to secure their first-ever victory over the Central Asian side before producing an even more emphatic display in the final, thrashing Kazakhstan 27–0 to lift the title in style.

Although India fell short in the women’s final, Chauhan Mahak shone brightly throughout the tournament, finishing with nine tries and earning the Women’s Player of the Tournament award.

Hosts Uzbekistan gave home supporters plenty to celebrate after securing bronze medals in both divisions. The Uzbek Men defeated Pakistan 20–7 in the third-place playoff, while the Women overcame India 20–14 in another thrilling encounter.

The inaugural CASA 7s was more than just a tournament, it was a powerful statement about the growing ambition and potential of rugby across Central and South Asia.

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