MUSCAT: The Asian Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy , hosted for the first time by the Sultanate of Oman, concluded on Sunday evening at the Royal Oman Police Stadium in Al Wattayah, organised by the Oman Rugby Committee on October 25–26, with the participation of 18 national teams representing 15 Asian countries. The event drew enthusiastic crowds and ended under the auspices of His Highness Sayyid Azzan bin Qais al Said, President of the Oman Olympic Committee.
In the men’s category, Kazakhstan clinched the championship title after defeating India 27–0 in the final match. India finished second, while Afghanistan took third place.
In the women’s category, Uzbekistan claimed the title after a thrilling 12–7 victory over Iran, which finished second, with South Korea taking third place.
FINAL DAY OF COMPETITION
The second and final day featured intense and exciting matches. The Oman national team suffered a heavy defeat to Lebanon 0–38, but bounced back with a historic 19–0 victory over Kyrgyzstan, followed by another win against Palestine 12–5 to close their campaign on a high note.
Other results included Kyrgyzstan defeating Palestine 12–7, Bahrain beating Qatar 25–5, Jordan overcoming Iran 12–7, Kazakhstan thrashing Afghanistan 41–0, India defeating Saudi Arabia 17–0, Iraq winning 36–0 over Kyrgyzstan, and Lebanon sweeping Palestine 41–0.
Bahrain continued its fine form with a narrow 10–7 win over Jordan, Afghanistan edged Saudi Arabia 17–12, and Lebanon crushed Iraq 34–0.
OMAN NATIONAL TEAM AND HISTORIC DEBUT
Oman’s squad for the championship included head coach Brian Hopkin, assistant coach Ali Al-Dhakhri, team manager Mohammed Al-Hashami, and physiotherapist Donna Hopkin.
The players were: Imad al Marjabi (captain), Haitham al Harthi, Majid al Dhakhri, Ahmed al Balushi, Rashid al Rashdi, Faisal al Falaiti, Zakariya al Falaiti, Asid al Rawahi, Julian, Dwight, Ahmed Mohammed, Mahmoud Sabri, and Finlay.
A CONTINENTAL EVENT ELEVATING OMAN’S SPORTING STATUS
Hosting this championship for the first time in history marks a significant milestone for Oman and demonstrates the growing confidence the Asian Rugby Federation has in the Sultanate of Omam’s ability to organise international sporting events to the highest standards.
The championship also serves as a qualifying stage for the Asia Rugby Series 2026, reinforcing Oman’s reputation as a leading sports and tourism destination in the region.
The Oman Rugby Committee aimed through this event to promote rugby culture across the Sultanate of Oman, working closely with the Ministry of Education to encourage students to attend matches and learn about the sport. The committee has also set out a strategic plan with the Asian Rugby Federation to train Omani coaches and referees, enhance technical and organisational standards, and expand the local fan base — laying the foundation for Oman’s competitive presence in continental and international rugby in the near future.
A SUCCESSFUL CONCLUSION AND A PROMISING BEGINNING
Oman succeeded in hosting the championship to world-class standards, earning praise from all participating teams for its organisation and hospitality.
The tournament represented a historic turning point for Omani rugby, serving as a launchpad for future regional and international events, and affirming the Sultanate of Oman’s growing presence on the Asian and global rugby stage.
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