India’s First National 7s Rugby in Baripada
Mayurbhanj district in Odisha will host the inaugural Maharaja 7s National Rugby Tournament (MSCB Cup 2025) on December 13–14 at Baripada Stadium. Organized by Future Star Sports Academy, the event celebrates Maharaja legacies while fostering grassroots talent, education, and sports visibility amid India’s burgeoning rugby landscape. With teams from across India and international participation, the fast-paced 7s format emphasizes agility, speed, and strategic play, offering a fresh alternative to cricket-dominated regional sports. Free entry and live streaming targeting over 10 lakh viewers ensures high digital engagement and community participation.
Tournament Significance and Regional Development
The MSCB Cup aligns with Rugby India’s broader push to expand 7s rugby nationally, building on Odisha’s recent U19 successes and highlighting Baripada’s upgraded stadium infrastructure. By integrating tribal youth in competitive sports, the tournament promotes inclusivity and leverages cultural heritage for talent development. Sponsors benefit from youth-focused branding, while the event provides a platform akin to global 7s circuits, laying foundations for long-term sports growth in the region.
Economic Impact on Baripada and Mayurbhanj
Though modest in scale, the MSCB Cup is expected to generate Rs 2–5 crore over the two-day weekend through direct and indirect economic channels:
· Hospitality and Food Services: Out-of-state teams (20–30 members each) and visiting families will occupy hotels and homestays at near-full capacity, spending approximately Rs 2,000–3,000 per day. Local eateries benefit from increased footfall, contributing roughly 70% of the direct impact.
· Transport and Local Trade: Rickshaw and taxi services, along with street vendors, are projected to see a Rs 50–75 lakh surge, while sponsorships and merchandising add another Rs 20–30 lakh.
· Merchandise and Digital Commerce: Social media engagement and live streaming expand e-commerce for local handicrafts and rugby gear, potentially increasing post-event sales by 15–20%.
· Multiplier effects extend the benefits: farmers supplying event produce, artisans producing crafts, and regional tourism promotions (e.g., Similipal Tiger Reserve) create 1.5–2x indirect gains. With annual recurrence, revenue could rise to Rs 10–15 crore per year, echoing impacts from similar junior rugby events in India.
Challenges and Sustainability
Baripada’s nascent hospitality infrastructure may strain under peak demand, while reliance on sponsors and variable weather introduces risks. Without strategic scaling and investment, gains remain temporary. Nonetheless, the event initiates a shift from agriculture and mining dependence toward sports-driven tourism, potentially contributing to a Rs 50 crore sports-tourism cluster by 2030.
A Catalyst for Sports and Economic Growth
The MSCB Cup 2025 represents more than a rugby tournament; it is a strategic lever for local development, combining sports promotion, youth engagement, and economic stimulus. By attracting regional and national attention, it positions Baripada as an emerging sports hub, delivering tangible revenue, skill-building opportunities, and long-term potential for Mayurbhanj’s sports-tourism ecosystem, all while showcasing Odisha’s capacity to host high-profile national events.
(With agency inputs)
