More than 100 youths trained in the state to promote rugby

In a significant initiative to strengthen the sport of rugby at the grassroots level in Himachal Pradesh, over 100 young players from various regions of the state have been trained. Sports Incharge Nandlal Sharma informed that the Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh, in collaboration with SJVN, is organising free district-level rugby development camps through which a talent hunt has also been launched for the state’s Under-18 team, which will represent Himachal in the National Rugby Championship next month.
He stated that two camps have been successfully held so far in Nalagarh and Mandi districts. Approximately 60 children participated in the camp held at Doon Public School in Nalagarh, while approximately 50 players received training in Mandi district. A total of approximately 105 players, including 25 girls and 80 boys, received training in basic contact rugby at these two camps.
Nandlal Sharma stated that the objective of this initiative is to take rugby to the village and school levels and provide emerging players from the state with the opportunity to reach the national stage. In addition to the players, the camps are also providing information on rugby rules, training methods, and player development to PTIs, sports teachers, and coaches from various schools.
Vishal Sarin, General Secretary of the Rugby Association of Himachal Pradesh, stated that all camps are being held completely free of charge. He said the association’s goal is to bring rugby to every district in the state and create new opportunities for youth in the sport.
Vishal Sarin stated that the upcoming camps will be held in Nirmand, Kullu district, on June 15-16, Bilaspur on June 16-17, and then Shimla. Approximately eight talented boys and girls are being selected from each district camp. These players will be called for the final selection trials in Shimla on June 21, where the Himachal Pradesh Under-18 Rugby Team will be formed. The selected players will represent the state in the National Rugby Championship, to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, in the first and second weeks of July.