Future augurs well for Indian Rugby

Suresh Chouksey and Lakshay Raja

Chandigarh, June 21

With the city set to host the sixth edition of the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship from June 22, the sports’ governing body in the country — Rugby India — is hopeful that things will change for better in the coming years.   

“It’s a national sport. We have so far complied with all the guidelines that have been laid down. We still are in the others category in sports in India. With such grand tournaments I’m hopeful this will change,” said Rugby India general manager Nasser Hussain.   

More than 750 athletes and officials from across the country are expected to be a part of the three-day championship, which will be organised by Chandigarh Rugby Football Association, under the aegis of Indian Rugby Football Union, at the Panjab University grounds here.  

Representing the city beautiful will be a total of 24 players — 12 in each men’s and women’s category.

“I’ll say it’s growing as a sport and there’s a lot to see in the coming times from Rugby India to say the least,” Hussain told The Tribune on the eve of the championship.  

The former India captain, though, rued the lack of government support. “The support has been very nominal. The last year, though, saw some improvement,” he said.

Trials for Asian Games

After hosting the Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, the Indian Rugby Football Union will also hold a three-day trial to select the women’s rugby team for the forthcoming Asian Games in Jakarta. The trials will be held from June 25 to 27.