Defending Champions Haryana Unveil Squad for 2025 Senior National Rugby 7s Championship
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Haryana's rugby squad for the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025 has been announced, with the tournament scheduled for April 27-28 in Guwahati. The defending champions aim to reclaim the gold medal.
Key Takeaways
- Haryana announces squad for 2025 championship.
- Deepak Kumar Punia leads the team.
- Vikas Khatri emphasizes legacy and drive to win.
- Haryana is the most successful team in the tournament's history.
- The championship will be held at Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium.
Guwahati, April 25 (NationPress) Haryana has officially revealed their squad for the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025. The men's tournament is set to take place on April 27 and 28 at the Indira Gandhi Athletic Stadium in Guwahati.
The defending champions have put together a 12-member team, featuring eight athletes from the Sonipat district. Additionally, two players hail from Jhajjar district, while one each from Hisar and Ambala complete the squad for the 12th edition of the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship.
Deepak Kumar Punia will captain the Haryana team, with Ajay Deswal serving as his vice-captain. Former Indian captain Vikas Khatri will also represent Haryana in this much-anticipated tournament.
“It’s always a proud moment to represent Haryana, especially in a competition where we have such a rich legacy. Having been part of this team for many years and entering the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship 2025 as defending champions, our drive to win remains unwavering. We've trained hard, and our goal is straightforward - to bring home the gold once more,” stated Vikas Khatri.
Haryana boasts eight gold medals from the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship, clinching victories in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024. They were also runners-up in the 2016 championship.
Last season, Haryana triumphed over West Bengal with a score of 19-7 to secure the gold medal at the Senior National Rugby 7s Championship 2024. Odisha finished in third place.
Haryana squad: Neeraj Khatri, Ajay Deswal (vice-captain), Suresh Kumar, Hitesh Dagar, Sahil Tushir, Tilaj Raj, Mohit Tushir, Deepak Kumar Punia (captain), Vikas Khatri, Prince Khatri, Aniket, Mohit Khatri.
Substitute Players: Happy and Sachin
Coach: Arun Dagar
