Odisha’s Dumuni Marndi leads four players from the state into India’s women’s rugby sevens squad for the Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games. The quartet—Marndi, Mama Naik, Nirmalya Rout and Sandhyarani Tudu—were selected after a rigorous camp in Kolkata that highlighted the state’s deep‑rooted rugby culture.
The squad’s composition mirrors Odisha’s growing rugby ecosystem. Marndi, now vice‑captain, reflected on her journey from Mayurbhanj’s dusty fields to the international arena, saying, "The last Asian Games was a huge learning experience; now I carry more responsibility as a senior player." Tudu, a fly‑half known for her tackling, added, "Our school’s introduction to rugby opened a world of possibilities for us; Odisha’s teamwork continues to produce talent.
Coach Paul Delport praised the team’s recent form, citing a sixth‑place finish at the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series where India beat UAE and Iran. The squad’s preparation also included a hard‑fought training stint in Thailand, where they faced local sides and Sri Lanka. "The players have improved enormously, both physically and in game understanding," Delport said, stressing that progress in team sports takes time.
With the Asian Games set, India’s next challenge is a pool opener against Hong Kong on Oct. 1 at the Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium. The win would keep hopes alive for a bronze medal and a stepping stone toward the 2032 Olympics, where Rugby India president Rahul Bose urges a move to a fully professional ecosystem. The squad, led by captain Shikha Yadav, is heading to Japan on Friday, ready to prove that Odisha’s pipeline can power a national team.