Latest news with #RugbyIndia
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Fourie's flock gets wings
Kolkata: "I have a lot of belief in this group of girls. They are the future of Indian women's rugby!" These words of India rugby coach Kiano Fourie, during an online interaction with TOI, exuded his confidence in the team that scripted a historic continental medal for India on Sunday at the Asia Rugby U20 Championship 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. The U20 Indian women beat Kazakhstan 17-10 and the UAE 31-7 while losing 7-31 to Hong Kong and finishing second from Pool B. They lost 7-28 to China in the semifinal, but came back with a purpose to beat Uzbekistan 12-5 in the bronze medal match. While the feat put the team in the limelight, away from it, this bunch of girls was climbing the rungs of success in age-group tournaments. "I came in contact with this group in 2023," narrated Fourie. "Before that, I was the head coach of the U18 women's team that won silver at the Asian meet in Taiwan. We beat the UAE in the group stage and then lost narrowly to them 7-10 in a well-contested final." The South African came to India in 2022 as a mentor to the Bihar rugby teams and then worked at Rugby India's High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. "I knew that this group was special back then," Fourie said of the U18 tournament in Taiwan. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mystical Forest Vase: Hot Sale topgadgetlife Shop Now Undo "It's actually a mixture of the top 12 from the U18 continental meets of 2023 & '24." Contrary to the current rhetoric around "homogeneity" in the country, the diversity in their regional identities — from their captain in Bhumika Shukla, hailing from a slum in Rajasthan to the four players from across Bihar or two state-mates from western Odisha — posed no threat to their developing as a unit. "It's the communication among ourselves that gives our team the edge," explained Ritu Majhi, an integral part of India's attacking lineup, who saw her dream of an Indian medal come true on Sunday. But a woman close-contact sportsperson is an antithesis to the society's expectation of a woman being submissive and meek, and in tune with the image of "the weaker sex". As a soft-spoken Majhi reiterates, "I always liked to fight! Not in the way that people do unnecessarily, but to be able to display my strength and stamina in a rule-based competition." While the Odisha girl had watched other members of her family pursue rugby in her childhood, for her state-mate cum teammate, 18-year-old Mamali Singh, it was a more amusing reason to choose a sport that's still in its nascent stage in India. "I just loved the shape of the ball when I first saw it. And I told myself, 'I have to play that game with the egg-shaped ball'," the promising Singh, who is also in line to be part of the U18 women's team for the upcoming Asia Rugby U18 Championship in Hohhot, China, conceded. Both of them were drawn to rugby when sent to study at KIITS International School and soon, like a number of their teammates, found themselves in the radar of Rugby India and coach Fourie. "There were no U20 tournaments in the last two years. But with the event hosted in India, we were excited to do really well," said Fourie, whose players did not disappoint after a three-week camp hosted by SAI Kolkata "with the best training facilities", and inclusion of a stipend from Rugby India for every player. Meanwhile, the senior women's rugby team qualified this year for the top-tier league in Asia by claiming silver at Asia Rugby 7s Trophy and a place among the top-eight Asian women's teams. They will start the campaign with October's Asia Rugby 7s Series Round 2 in Colombo and stay on course with their South African coach's belief that, "These girls can take India to the heights in rugby that will inspire the next generation of rugby players." Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy Krishna Janmashtami Wishes ,, messages , and quotes !
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
From slums to Asian glory: India's U20 women clinch historic medal at Asia Rugby Championship
Indian rugby team beat Uzbekistan 12-5 to win the bronze medal Kolkata: 'I have a lot of belief in this group of girls. They are the future of Indian women's rugby!' These words of India's rugby coach Kiano Fourie, during an online interaction with TOI, showed his confidence in the team that scripted a historic continental medal for India on Sunday at the Asia Rugby U20 Championship 2025 in Rajgir, Bihar. The U20 Indian women beat Kazakhstan 17-10 and the UAE 31-7 while losing 7-31 to Hong Kong and finishing second from Pool B. They lost 7-28 to China in the semifinal, but came back with a purpose to beat Uzbekistan 12-5 in the bronze medal match. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! While the feat put the team in the limelight, this bunch of girls has been quietly climbing the rungs of success in age-group tournaments. 'I came in contact with this group in 2023,' narrated Fourie. 'Before that, I was the head coach of the U18 women's team that won silver at the Asian meet in Taiwan. We beat the UAE in the group stage and then lost narrowly to them 7-10 in a well-contested final.' The South African came to India in 2022 as a mentor to the Bihar rugby teams and then worked at Rugby India's High Performance Centre in Bhubaneswar. 'I knew that this group was special back then,' Fourie said of the U18 tournament. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Paras Sector 59 Gurgaon | Paras Floret Low-Rise Flats Paras The Florett Book Now Undo 'The U20 team is a mix of the top 12 from the U18 continental meets of 2023 & '24.' Contrary to the current rhetoric around 'homogeneity' in the country, the diversity in their regional identities — their captain Bhumika Shukla is from a slum in Rajasthan, four players are from Bihar and two from western Odisha — posed no threat to their development as a unit. 'It's the communication among us that gives our team the edge,' explained Ritu Majhi, an integral part of India's attacking lineup, who saw her dream of an Indian medal come true on Sunday. A soft-spoken Majhi reiterates, 'I always liked to fight! Not in the way people do unnecessarily, but to be able to display my strength and stamina in a rule-based competition.' While the Odisha girl had seen other members of her family pursue rugby in her childhood, for her state-mate, 18-year-old Mamali Singh, it was a more amusing reason to choose a sport that's still in its nascent stage in India. Poll Do you believe that the U20 Indian women's rugby team can inspire a new generation of players in India? Definitely Maybe Not sure Not likely 'I just loved the shape of the ball when I first saw it. And I told myself, 'I have to play that game with the egg-shaped ball',' the promising Singh, who is also in line to be part of the U18 women's team for the upcoming Asia Rugby U18 Championship in Hohhot, China, said. Both of them were drawn to rugby when sent to study at KIITS International School and soon, like a number of their teammates, found themselves in the radar of Rugby India and coach Fourie. 'There were no U20 tournaments in the last two years. But with the event hosted in India, we were keen on doing really well,' said Fourie, whose players did not disappoint after a three-week camp hosted by SAI Kolkata 'with the best training facilities', and inclusion of a stipend from Rugby India for every player. Meanwhile, the senior women's rugby team qualified this year for the top-tier league in Asia by claiming silver at Asia Rugby 7s Trophy and a place among the top-eight Asian women's teams. They will start the campaign with October's Asia Rugby 7s Series Round 2 in Colombo and stay on course with their South African coach's belief: 'These girls can take India to the heights in rugby that will inspire the next generation of rugby players.' Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
NDTV
10-08-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
India Clinch Bronze, China And Hong Kong China Win Women's And Men's Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Crown
India's U20 Women's team capped off a memorable return to the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Championship with a bronze medal, defeating Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff on home soil in Rajgir, Bihar. After an impressive run in the pool stage, the hosts faced a tough semi-final against China, falling 7-28 despite a determined effort. In the bronze medal match, India wasted no time in seizing control. Bhumika opened the scoring to make it 7-0 before Guriya Kumari crossed the line to extend the lead to 12-0. Uzbekistan rallied with a try of their own, but India's defence - roared on by a passionate Rajgir crowd - held firm to secure the victory and the podium finish. Remarkably, throughout the tournament, India's only defeats came against the eventual finalists - China and Hong Kong China - underlining the team's exceptional performance against Asia's top sides. This medal also marks a historic moment for Indian rugby, as it is the first time the country has hosted the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Championship, and the first time the U20 Women have won a medal on home soil. The side led by head coach Kiano Fourie showcased skill, resilience, and teamwork, with standout performances from both seasoned leaders and emerging talent. Rugby India President Rahul Bose hailed this momentous achievement saying, "Winning a medal in front of our home fans is a proud moment for Indian rugby. Our Indian women were in a very difficult pool and to make the semi-finals was an achievement tin itself. The team showed tremendous spirit, and this performance will inspire the next generation of players." The top gong in the women's category went to China, who overcame Hong Kong China 29-21 in a hard-fought contest. In the Men's category, Hong Kong China thrashed Sri Lanka 33-0 to clinch the title. With this result, the U20 Women's team add another milestone to India's growing rugby story, while setting a strong foundation for future success at the continental level.
Time of India
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
CM unveils logo of Asia Rugby championship
Patna: CM Nitish Kumar on Friday unveiled the 'shubhankar' and logo of the two-day Asia Rugby (Under-20) championship to be held for the first time in the state at Rajgir-based Sports Academy-cum-Bihar Sports University from Aug 9. A function in this regard was held at the Sankalp auditorium at the CM's official residence. The event is being organised by the state's sports department. The state cabinet on March 19 had sanctioned Rs 4.08 crore for the championship. Nine teams from India, China, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Hong Kong, Kazakistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Nepal would be participating in the championship. The teams would reach Rajgir on Aug 7. The inaugural function would be held in the Kabaddi Hall on the Rajgir sports campus. "The rugby players from Bihar have been making their mark nationally. The organisation of the championship will encourage the budding players," the CM said, after unveiling the 'shubhankar' and logo of the event. "This tournament will not only elevate Bihar's sports culture, but also set a new record in the Asian arena of rugby," he added. On this occasion, president of Rugby India, Rahul Bose, lauded the role of the CM in promoting sports in Bihar. He presented a book and logo to the CM, while rugby international athlete Arti Sinha and Gaurav Kumar also presented the memento to him. Among those present at the function were deputy CMs Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha; principal secretary to CM Deepak Kumar; chief secretary Amrit Lal Meena; development commissioner Pratyaya Amrit; CM's principal secretary S Siddharth; sports department's additional chief secretary B Rajender and CM's secretaries Anupam Kumar and Kumar Ravi.
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chennai clinch inaugural Sevens title as rugby touches down in India
Irish Sevens international Terry Kennedy (C) on the attack for Chennai in the final of the inaugural Indian Rugby Premier League against Delhi Redz in Mumbai (Punit PARANJPE) Ireland Sevens international Terry Kennedy helped Chennai Bulls clinch India's inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL) title on Sunday as the sport took its first fledgling steps in a country obsessed by cricket. Kennedy scored two of Chennai's seven tries as they concluded the six-team rugby sevens franchise league with a 41-0 thrashing of Delhi Redz in Mumbai. Advertisement India's Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra was among the many stars who graced the finale although the crowds were understandably no match for the hordes that turned up to watch Virat Kohli's Bengaluru win the T20 Indian Premier League earlier this month. However, the RPL's coverage on satellite television has given organisers hope that rugby could emerge as a major sport in India. "No matter how big a sport may be, there is always space if you work hard enough if you create a product that's good enough," Rugby India president Rahul Bose told AFP. "In that respect we are very happy and very secure in the knowledge that there is space for this game and it doesn't have to come by eating away at anybody else's space." Advertisement Just as the IPL focused on the shortest form of cricket, so the RPL has chosen to go for the shortest form of rugby, with the seven-a-side format in this tournament lasting 16 minutes -- four quarters of four minutes each -- and dispensing with the hard grunt of the 15-man game to showcase slick handling and blistering pace. Kennedy is not the only top Sevens player to have been drafted in to the RPL. His teammate Joseva Talacolo, who also scored a try in Sunday's final, won silver with Fiji at last year's Olympics in Paris while Scott Curry, whose Bengaluru Bravehearts finished fourth after losing the bronze medal match to Hyderabad Heroes, played 321 times for New Zealand's All Blacks Sevens team. The American Perry Baker, now 39 and a two-time World Rugby Sevens Player of the Year, came out of retirement to play for Kalinga Black Tigers. Advertisement According to Bose, this first iteration of the tournament has gone down well with the public. "What we have heard is that the game is easy to follow, very fast, very exciting and has got tremendous amount of likeability," said Bose who is also a successful Bollywood actor. "Along with that, the athletic prowess of these men has come in for a lot of attention. We are happy with the connect we have made." - 'Bigger and better' - The RPL is seen as a way for India to bolster their dreams of hosting the Olympics in 2036 - and given the continental qualifying system for the Olympics, India even has an eye on fielding a men's or women's team prior to that. Advertisement But it is more than an ideal. The RPL, which blends Indian players with international stars, is run by GMR Sports which, as owner of the IPL team Delhi Capitals, knows a thing or two about franchise competitions in India. "The first season has gone very well for us," Satyam Trivedi, chief executive officer of GMR, told AFP. "The sponsors are happy with what they see on the ground and on TV. "However this is just the beginning for us. We are looking at the first season as a showcase event and take a lot of learnings from here. "In every season this league will get bigger and better." fk/bsp/mw
