The 38th National Games 2025 kicked off with a bang as defending champions Haryana made an early statement in the Men’s Rugby 7s competition, dominating their opening matches with resounding victories. The state, known for its rich sporting culture, particularly in rugby, lived up to its billing on the first day of the event, proving that their strength and preparation would be hard to match. Haryana's performance on Day 1 underscored their pedigree in the sport, reaffirming their status as one of the powerhouses of Indian rugby.

As the National Games continues to grow in prominence, the Men’s Rugby 7s event is one of the key highlights of the competition. This year’s edition saw teams from across the country gather to battle it out for national supremacy, but it was Haryana’s performance that stood out, setting the stage for an exciting competition in the coming days.

A Dominant Start for Haryana

The first day of the Men’s Rugby 7s competition was a showcase of Haryana’s strength, skill, and teamwork. The defending champions made an indelible mark in their opening matches, defeating their opponents with ease and displaying the kind of rugby that has made them national champions in recent years.

Haryana’s first match of the day was a statement victory, as they defeated their opponents with a commanding scoreline. The team’s seamless passing, powerful tackles, and swift counter-attacks were on full display. The Haryana players, led by their experienced captain, exhibited perfect coordination and an excellent understanding of the game. The forwards dominated the scrums, while the backs showed their flair in attack, making it nearly impossible for their opponents to break through.

The Haryana team’s clinical performance was marked by several try-scoring runs, with players exhibiting great vision and speed to break the defensive lines. Rohit Kumar, Haryana’s star winger, was a standout player in this opening match. His blistering pace and sharp evasion allowed him to score two tries, leading his team to an easy win. His performance highlighted the difference between Haryana and the other teams in terms of individual skill and collective execution.

The match also showcased Haryana’s physical dominance, as their forward players were relentless in both attack and defense. With an emphasis on maintaining possession and controlling the breakdowns, Haryana’s forwards were able to stifle any attempts by their opponents to gain territory or momentum. This combination of tactical discipline and raw physical power set the tone for their campaign.

Challengers Left Behind

While Haryana’s dominant display was the highlight of the day, other states were certainly not without their efforts. However, despite strong performances from teams like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Tamil Nadu, none could match the depth and flair that Haryana brought to the field.

Maharashtra, one of the teams expected to challenge for a top spot, had a decent start but couldn’t quite find their rhythm against a more composed Haryana side. Though Maharashtra played with vigor and showed flashes of brilliance, especially in their defensive setups, they struggled to handle Haryana’s high tempo and pace. Their inability to effectively contest the breakdowns and turn over possession allowed Haryana to control the flow of the match.

Delhi, another strong contender, faced off against Haryana in what was one of the most anticipated fixtures of Day 1. The match lived up to expectations, with Delhi giving a valiant effort but ultimately falling short against the defending champions. Haryana's physicality was simply too much for Delhi to handle, especially in the scrums and rucks, where Haryana’s forwards dominated. Delhi did manage to show some creative attacking play, but their efforts were often stymied by Haryana's organized defense.

Tamil Nadu, too, faced an uphill battle against Haryana in their opening match. Despite some moments of individual brilliance, Tamil Nadu could not maintain the necessary consistency to challenge Haryana’s complete team performance. Their attacking moves were thwarted time and again by Haryana’s relentless defense, which looked almost impenetrable at times. Haryana’s ability to maintain pressure for the entire duration of the match showed the depth of their squad, as they consistently punished any mistakes made by their opponents.

Key Performances on Day 1

The first day of Men’s Rugby 7s wasn’t just about team dominance—individual players also shone brightly. As mentioned, Rohit Kumar played a pivotal role for Haryana with his speed and scoring ability, but other players from Haryana also contributed significantly to their victories.

Vikram Singh, Haryana’s forward and powerhouse in the scrums, was an invaluable asset to the team’s victory. His superior strength allowed him to win crucial line-outs and maintain possession in difficult situations. His work rate was unmatched, often putting his body on the line to ensure his team could keep the ball and control the game’s tempo.

Ravinder Singh, the team’s playmaker, was another standout performer. His tactical kicking and ability to read the game were instrumental in setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates. His well-placed kicks from hand pinned their opponents deep in their own half, allowing Haryana to maintain pressure and dominate territory.

For other states, Amit Yadav from Delhi and Vijay Kumar from Maharashtra were among the players who stood out in their respective teams. Both players were central to their teams' attacks, making strong runs and creating opportunities for tries. However, despite their best efforts, they could not inspire their teams to overcome Haryana’s relentless onslaught.

The Road Ahead: Can Anyone Challenge Haryana?

With Day 1 completed, Haryana’s status as the team to beat is undeniable. Their dominant victories have set the standard for the rest of the competition, and the other teams will need to elevate their performances significantly to challenge for the top spots.

While teams like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have the potential to put up a fight, they will need to work on their team cohesion, physicality, and execution in key moments if they are to pose a serious challenge to Haryana’s supremacy. Haryana's combination of physicality, skill, and tactical awareness is difficult to match, but the competition is far from over. The next few days of competition will be crucial in determining whether Haryana can maintain their momentum or if another state will rise to the occasion.

Haryana’s dominant start to the Men’s Rugby 7s at the 38th National Games has solidified their reputation as the team to beat. Their performance on Day 1 was a blend of individual brilliance and cohesive team play, marking them as the favorites to defend their title. However, with fierce competitors like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu still in the mix, the coming days promise to be full of excitement and intense rugby action. As the competition progresses, it will be interesting to see if any team can break Haryana’s stranglehold on the sport or if the defending champions will continue their march to another National Games title.