Asian Rugby Women’s championship kicks off with Iran’s participation

Fifteen other teams, including defending champions China and runners-up Kazakhstan, are taking part in the event.



The other teams include Hong Kong, Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Japan, UAE, Malaysia, Thailand, Korea, Fiji, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and hosts India.



India, ranked 68 in the world, clashed with Hong Kong in the opening match of the two-day Asian Rugby Sevens Women's championship began Saturday at the Balewadi Sports Complex athletics stadium.



India suffered humiliating defeats against Pool A rivals Hong Kong and Japan and went out of reckoning for a berth in the upcoming Moscow World Championship, pti reported. Thoroughly outplayed in all departments of the game, India was thrashed 36-0 by Hong Kong and 49-0 by Asian powerhouse Japan.



Defending champions China and runners-up Kazakhstan registered three wins each to top their respective pools at the Balewadi Sports Complex athletics stadium. Fiji and Japan emerged by topping their pools.



"This is for the first time that 15 teams will be competing in the Asian Championships, up from 12 last year," informed Jarrad Gallagher, Regional General Manager of International Rugby Board (IRB).



Top two finishers after the league matches will be playing for Cup/Plate competition, while the bottom two will compete in Bowl/Shield event.



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