Paris World Games: Indian girls finish fifth in rugby sevens event

The 12-member Indian team trained with the French women’s development squad at the French Rugby Federation (FRR) in Paris.

The Indian girls U-18 rugby team at the Paris World Games rugby sevens event.

The Indian girls U-18 rugby team finished fifth in rugby sevens (7-a-side) event at the Paris World Games 2017, conducted at Stade Georges Carpenter stadium in Paris over two days. Representing Rugby India and captained by Sumitra Nayak, the squad recovered from three consecutive losses on the opening day to win both matches on the second and concluding day.

Seven teams took part in the event, held as part of France's bid to host the 2024 Summer Olympics. Baby Paris Ladies won 29-7 against India, who went down fighting 12-10 to AS Sarcelles and 45-0 against Atlantis Rugby (USA).

The second day saw  India outclassing UAE 50-0, then gaining confidence to outrun AS Sarcells 17-5.  Baby Paris Ladies won the title, beating Atlantis Rugby 21-12 in the final.

The former won the semi-final earlier against Comite IDF de rugby 22-7, the latter downed Suisse U-18 50-0 in the other semi-final. The 12-member Indian team, supported by Societe Generale, trained with the French women’s development squad at the French Rugby Federation (FRR) training centre in Paris.

Results:  Baby Paris Ladies bt Atlantis Rugby 21-12. Semi-finals: BPL bt Comite IDF de rugby 22-7; AR bt Suisse U-18 50-0.