Haryana Claims Fourth Gold in Men's Rugby 7s at National Games
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Synopsis
Haryana's rugby team secured their fourth consecutive gold medal in the Men's Rugby 7s at the National Games 2025, demonstrating unmatched skill and teamwork throughout the tournament in Dehradun.
Key Takeaways
- Haryana wins fourth consecutive gold
- Unbeaten in the tournament
- Deepak Punia shines as captain
- Dominating performances throughout
- Maharashtra takes silver, Odisha bronze
Dehradun, Jan 31 (NationPress) Haryana showcased their dominance in the Men’s Rugby 7s competition by securing their fourth consecutive gold medal at the National Games 2025. Competing at the Maharana Pratap Sports Complex in Dehradun, the defending champions finished the tournament without a single defeat, solidifying their reputation as the top rugby team in India.
The Haryana team exhibited an exceptional performance from the initial rounds through to the final. Competing in Pool A, they triumphed over host team Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Kerala, advancing to the quarterfinals. Their winning momentum continued with a decisive victory against Bihar in the quarterfinals, leading to a semifinal showdown with West Bengal on January 31.
The semifinal turned out to be another dominant display, as Haryana overpowered West Bengal 24-0. This marked their fourth clean sheet in five encounters. Captain Deepak Punia was instrumental, scoring two tries and converting both, contributing a total of 14 points. Prince added two tries, amassing 10 points and ensuring Haryana's spot in the finals against Maharashtra.
Haryana had previously defeated Maharashtra 31-12 during the group stages, and they showcased their superiority once more in the final, clinching a 22-7 victory. Ajay was a standout performer with two tries, totaling 10 points, while Captain Deepak Punia added seven points with a try and a conversion. Tilak contributed five points with a crucial try to confirm the win.
This victory enabled Haryana to successfully defend their title while extending their winning streak at the National Games, once again proving their status as the undisputed champions of Men’s Rugby 7s in India. Maharashtra took home the silver medal, while Odisha claimed bronze after defeating West Bengal in the third-place match.
Match Summary:
Semifinal: Haryana 24-0 West Bengal
Deepak Punia: 14 points (2 tries, 2 conversions)
Prince: 10 points (2 tries)
Final: Haryana 22-7 Maharashtra
Ajay: 10 points (2 tries)
Deepak Punia: 7 points (1 try, 1 conversion)
Tilak: 5 points (1 try)
