The Inspiring Story of India Women’s Rugby Team for Asian Games 2023

Rugby is a sport not played much in India, and that too by women. However, the Indian women's rugby team is achieving great things.

Unveiling the untold story of grit, determination, and triumph, get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of India's women's rugby team for the upcoming Asian Games 2023! Behind their electrifying performances on the field lies a tale of dedication, challenges, sacrifices, and historic achievements.

How they came together

Indian rugby is getting ready for the Asian Games. This is a big deal for Indian rugby, especially the women's team. They want to demonstrate how good they are to the entire Asia region. During training at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) campus in Kolkata, the team selected 12 players. They are now working hard to prepare for the big event. Some players have difficulties because their families are very traditional and they don't have much money.

The Indian Rugby Football Union had trouble finding girls, especially from rural areas, to join the team. Nevertheless, with the help of their coach from South Africa, Ludwiche Van Deventer, the team has improved a lot, and Mr. Rahul Bose, the President of the Indian Rugby Football Union, also played a significant role in supporting the team.

Dedication and hard work

Dedication and hard work are the backbone of any successful team, and the India Women's Rugby team is no exception. There are players like Tarulata Naik and Shweta Shahi in the Indian team who have come from small towns and narrow-minded societies to achieve big things. These remarkable athletes display an unwavering commitment to their sport, training countless hours to hone their skills on and off the field. From early-morning workouts to late-night practice sessions, these women push themselves beyond the limits most can imagine.

About the team

Sheetal Sharma - With eight years of rugby experience and five consecutive years representing Asia, Sheetal Sharma now leads Team India, aiming for a medal in 2023.

Sandhya Rai - As the vice captain of the Indian Women's Rugby team, Sandhya Rai overcame significant obstacles and gender bias. Her parents worked on a tea estate in Siliguri, West Bengal.

Kalyani - Due to her father's occupation as a security guard, Kalyani faced challenges entering the world of rugby. She began playing rugby during her school years.

Challenges and sacrifices

These formidable players have faced numerous obstacles to greatness, demonstrating unwavering dedication and resilience. One of the main challenges that these athletes have had to overcome is the lack of recognition and support for women's rugby in India. Unlike some other sports, rugby has historically been less popular among Indian audiences, making it difficult for female players to gain visibility and opportunities.

Historic Moment and Achievements

The journey of the Indian women's rugby team has been nothing short of extraordinary. They have faced numerous challenges and made countless sacrifices to reach this historic moment. And now, their hard work and dedication have paid off as they stand on the brink of achieving something remarkable.

Asian games will serve as a platform for athletes from all over Asia to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. For the Indian Women's Rugby team, this is an opportunity to represent their country and make a mark on an international stage.

Their achievements are already noteworthy; qualifying for the Asian Games is an accomplishment that should not be overlooked. Their goal is nothing less than bringing home a medal for India. It would inspire generations to come and encourage more girls nationwide to take up sports without fear or hesitation.