LAHORE: Pakistan will compete in the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy, starting in Kathmandu on Oct 4. Overall, 14 men’s and eight women’s teams of 17 countries from all five sub-regions of Asia have confirmed their participation, said a press release issued by the Pakistan Rugby Federation on Saturday. “Originally planned as two separate events, the Asia Rugby Sevens Emirates Challenge and Asia Rugby Emirates Sevens Trophy, the decision to merge the tournaments was made due to a few teams withdrawing and to foster a more competitive environment. This change ensures that every participating team has an equal shot at securing promotion to the Emirates Sevens Series. The men’s competition, originally set for 12 teams, now includes 14 [outfits],” the release added. “The countries competing in the men’s event include Afghanistan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Chinese Taipei, India, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan while the women’s teams are Guam, India, Indonesia, Iran, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan.”