KATHMANDU: Nepal has been placed in Group ‘A’ in men’s Rugby sevens in the upcoming 19th Asian Games.

The Asian Games is scheduled to take place in Hangzhou, China from September 23 to October 8 this year.

The group includes Hong Kong, and the Philippines along with Nepal. Towards Rugby, Nepal is participating only in men’s category being contended by 12 nations.

Likewise, group ‘B’ comprises South Korea, Malaysia, and Chinese Taipei and while group ‘C’ features Japan, Singapore and Thailand.

Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates, China and Afghanistan are part of group ‘D’. Rugby matches are set to start on September 24.

The Nepali team captained by Birat Shrestha will meet the Philippines for the opening match and Hong Kong for the second match.

This is the first time Nepal will be participating in the rugby in the Asian Games. The 12-member Nepali rugby squad team is currently undergoing training and it includes Bibesh Basu, Bikram Puri, Bikram Bharati, Jhukendra Rai, Nabin Maharjan, Niroj Karki, Pujan Phewali, Sabin Mahat, Shreeram Shrestha, Sujan Kumal and Yadu Adhikari.