Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Thursday Nov 12, 2026
Saturday, 3 October 2026 00:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Shamseer Jaleel
Sri Lanka’s hopes of securing a Rugby Sevens medal at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games were ended by a strong China outfit, which edged the Sri Lankan Tuskers 19-12 in the quarter-final yesterday in Nagoya.
Sri Lanka had made an impressive start to the competition, winning both their opening matches on day one against the Philippines and Singapore. They continued their winning run against the UAE, securing a 17-5 victory to finish their pool campaign unbeaten and book their place in the last eight.
However, China proved a tougher challenge in the quarter-final. Sri Lanka battled hard throughout, but the Chinese side held their composure to secure a 19-12 victory and move into the semi-finals.
The result leaves Sri Lanka competing for positions five to eight on the final day of the competition today (3 October).
The Tuskers will meet the Philippines, while the UAE will face Malaysia in the other classification match.
In the Cup semi-finals, defending champions Hong Kong China will take on hosts Japan, while Korea will meet China for a place in the final.
The Rugby Sevens competition is being staged at the Nagoya City Mizuho Park Rugby Field from 1 to 3 October, with the men’s medal matches scheduled for today.
In the other quarter-finals, Hong Kong China thrashed Malaysia 50-0, Korea beat the UAE 29-12 and Japan beat the Philippines 28-7.
In today’s 5th to 8th place play-offs, Sri Lanka will face the Philippines and the UAE will meet Malaysia. In the Cup semi-finals, Hong Kong China take on Japan and Korea play China.
