While the sport of rugby is still finding its feet in India, women's rugby is a completely new phenomenon. But a few feisty women translated the dream into reality when Rugby India decided to launch the first ever all India women's tournament. This empowered top players to be part of the national squad and play at the prestigious Asian sevens tournament in Pattaya, Thailand (which was held on May 30 and 31).
For the last few years, Rugby India has been striving hard to promote and popularise the sport across the country. "Women's rugby is being played in many parts of the country. The all India tournament was the first time women's teams from across the country came to compete. The tournament helped in identifying leading players from which the first ever all India national team was selected," said Aga Hussain, vice president of Rugby India.
This initiative of the all India women's tournament received an overwhelming response. "The first impression that people get about rugby is that it's a reckless violent game. No doubt you need a streak of aggression, but there are several rules to the game to discipline it. There are penalties for any above the neck tackle, moreover there can be no kicking or punching," said Gayatri Salunkhe, one of the participants.
She added, "However in India, people tend to be biased and depend a lot on hearsay. So they appreciate watching only their 'good old cricket'. Rugby or any other sport should be given equal justice, so that there is scope for our country's players to reach high international levels in more sports than one."
The antecedents of most girls who participated in this tournament are fascinating. Sangeeta Minz, who is from Bhubaneshwar, is a national-level kabbadi player, Vahbiz Bharucha, from Pune, is a state-level wrestler and a national-level handball player, while Shweta Prachande is a classical dancer by training.
The heartening aspect of the tournament was how women from different cities, backgrounds, socio-economic circumstances were connected by a common goal to play competitive rugby. "The sport lacks awareness in India. When the game becomes popular, sponsors and funds for developing the game will automatically follow.
The standard of facilities in many parts of the country is non-existent or abysmal," said Hussain. While the association is doing their best, there is still lingering scepticism.
"Parents are still hesitant to send their kids for the sport. There is absolutely no knowledge about rugby at school or college level. None of the sports channels cover rugby as much as they do football and cricket in India. The sport hasn't registered in the consciousness of the public. Once taken seriously, we could try and build grounds for practice and have friendly matches with other clubs," said Shweta Prachande, one of the participants.
Determination, passion and sheer guts of the girls competing against larger and vastly experienced opposition proved that Indian women rugby players can compete at an international level. With Commonwealth 2010 featuring rugby sevens and rugby going past the first stage for selection for Olympics 2016, it is fast becoming a major global sport.
Rugby in India is making solid strides with various initiatives for the women's as well as the men's team. Participation and interest for rugby is slowly growing and this will take the game to its next level.
