Pakistan gear up for Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy

LAHORE: Pakistan team has started preparations for one of Asia’s most competitive rugby tournaments, the Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, which will kick off on October 4 in Kathmandu.

The tournament will feature 14 men’s teams and 8 women’s teams, representing all five sub-regions of Asia.

This two-day event promises intense competition as teams vie for promotion to the prestigious Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series 2025.

Originally planned as two separate events, the Asia Rugby Sevens Emirates Challenge and Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, the decision to merge the tournaments was made due to a few teams withdrawing and to foster a more competitive environment.

This change ensures that every participating team has an equal shot at securing promotion to the Emirates Sevens Series. The men’s competition, originally set for 12 teams, now includes 14.

The men’s teams, competing in the event, include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.

The participating women’s teams are Guam, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.

Men’s Rugby Sevens event will feature in next year’s South Asian Federation (SAF) Games, scheduled to take place in Pakistan, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region.

The Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy will be held at the Dasarath Rangasala Stadium in the picturesque Kathmandu Valley.

Both the men’s and women’s champions will secure their spots in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Series, creating a clear pathway for emerging teams to join the ranks of Asia’s rugby elite.