BHUBANESWAR 13-Aug-2017
Odisha women achieved a creditable hat-trick by winning the third successive title in Societe Generale Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship at Pataliputra Stadium in Patna today. Impressive performance by Subhalaxmi Barik and Hupi Majhi helped Odisha beat West Bengal in the final 15-5.
Earlier in the semifinals, Odisha blanked Bihar 26-0, while West Bengal thrashed Maharashtra by identical margin. Led by Bhagyalaxmi Barik, Odisha women won three matches in a row to reach the last-four stage.
Odisha men finished seventh in the three-day championship after losing to services in the quarterfinals. Led by Rajeev Nath, Odisha men reached quarterfinals by defeating Kerala and Goa 25-0 and 20-0 respectively.
ODISHA TEAMS:
MEN: Bikranta Kumar Rauta, Sambit Pradhan, Bibhuti Bhusan Sethy, Narayana Sahu, Shanawaz Ahmed, Ratnakar Hemram, Rajeev Nath (Captain), Muna Murmu, Alekha Murmu, Ajit Hansdah, Suguda Majhi, Budhadev Pradhan. Coach: Manas Kumar Jena; Manager: Kumar Rakesh Misha.
WOMEN: Bhagyalaxmi Barik (Captain), Meera Rani Hembram, Hupi Majhi, Sanjukata Munda, Sumitra Nayak, Rajani Sabar, Manjulata Pradhan, Basanti Pangi, Subhalaxmi Barik, Kabita Kasturi Padihari, Jugma Prava Muduli, Laxmipriya Sahu. Coach: Dhiren Kumar Rout; Manager: Priyanka Misha.
RESULTS OF ODISHA WOMEN`S TEAM:
League Stage: Odisha beat Chhattisgarh 52-0; beat Andhra Pradesh 57-0. Quarterfinals: Odisha beat Jharkhand by 29-0. Semifinals: Odisha (Hupi 15, Mira Rani Hembram 6, Subhalaxmi Barik 5) beat Bihar 26-0. Final: Odisha (Subhalaxmi Barik 10), Hupi Majhi 5) beat West Bengal 15-5.
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PHOTO: Odisha women team poses with the trophy in Patna on August 13, 2017.