Mumbai, December 2: The Indian Under-17 Girls Rugby Team returned home after they finished a creditable fourth in the Youth Olympic Games Rugby Sevens Qualifiers which was held at Dubai Sports City, Dubai, late last month.
The team participated under the aegis of the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), the governing body for the sport of Rugby in India and was supported by Societe Generale, the financial partner of Rugby India.
A total of 12 countries from across Asia including Japan, Laos, Kazakhstan, Iran, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Philippines, China, Thailand, Malaysia, India and hosts U.A.E fought for top honours at the championships, where Japan were crowned the champions of the tournament after defeating China in a closely contested final, while Kazakhstan finished in third place.
In the opening rounds the Indian girls’ defeated Laos 27-0 in the first game, but in the second lost to eventual champions Japan, 0-50.
Having qualified for the second phase, the Indian girls faced stiffer competitions and did well to started off with a victory defeating Hong Kong 24-7. However they lost their next two games going down to the formidable outfit, China and Kazakhstan 0-43 and 5-22 respectively.
Nasser Hussain, General Manager, Rugby India said, “This fantastic result ranks us 4th in Asia. Our Under-17 Girls played like warriors and made the country proud by ending the tournament with our best ever finish and performance, securing a 4th place amongst the 12 nations participating. With utmost pride, we salute these girls for their exceptional commitment, determination, resilience and passion. Well done ladies, you are the future of Rugby India.”
The following 12 players represented India at the Youth Olympic Games Qualifiers: Sandhya Rai (Captain), Asha Araon, Rushmita Oraon, Urshila Khariya (all West Bengal); Sumitra Nayak, Jemamani Naik, Soni Mandangi, Lija Sardar, Prabati Kisku (all Odisha); Sweety Kumari (Bihar), Priya, Sultana (both Delhi).
Coach: Nasser Hussain, Asst. Coach: Rehmuddin Shaikh, Physio: Shabrez Mukaddam.
Photo: The Indian U-17 Girls’ Rugby team