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Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Sport
- Time of India
First rugby franchise league in India features grassroots talent
Almost every Saturday since he was 10, Akash Balmiki would bunk school to chase a ball that looked like a dinosaur egg. "My parents were mad at me," he recalls. Balmiki discovered rugby in 2007 when a friend introduced him to Khelo Rugby, a free training camp for underprivileged kids. "But when I told my parents I wanted to play seriously, they didn't stop me," grins the player who went on to represent India and even play for the Dallas Harlequins, a respected American rugby club. "My parents don't watch me play. They don't understand the game," he shrugs. Balmiki's father works as a sweeper and his mother is a homemmaker. "But it makes them happy to see me on TV," says the 27-year-old captain of Mumbai Dreamers, one of six franchise teams in India's inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL). Organised for the first time in India at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex), the goal of this Rugby Sevens tournament—which culminates in its final match today—isn't just entertainment but transformation. The aim is to elevate the profile of rugby in India, inspire the next generation of players, and create a festival-like atmosphere for fans, says actor Rahul Bose, president of Rugby India, which has spearheaded the event. RPL features six teams with Indian and international players. Bose, a former national-level rugby player himself, ensured that it started right: six world-class coaches were signed on even before approaching marquee players. A player draft followed. "Each coach picked five international players and the teams took turns drafting them," he says. You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Among the marquee internationals are Perry Baker (USA, two-time World Rugby 7s Player of the Year), Scott Curry (New Zealand, six-time World Sevens Series champion), and Terry Kennedy (Ireland, World Rugby 7s Player of the Year 2022). Indian players went through a competitive auction: 71 were up for selection, 30 made the cut. "We thought the Indian players might be behind. They're not," says Bose, calling the sons of farmers, labourers and tribal families the heroes of the RPL. "These stories are the spine of the league." Arjun Mahato—now a Back for Kalinga Tigers—was lured into rugby by Balmiki with the promise: "You'll get to eat while you train." The 'weird' rules confused him at first ("You can't pass forward but you can kick forward"), but he stuck around. He went on to play at the U-14 and U-18 national levels and now helps translate move names like "hammer" into Hindi for his teammates. Paco Hernández, head coach of the Bengaluru Bravehearts and a former captain of Spain's national sevens team, says coaching Indian players has been "deeply moving." He singles out Mohit Khatri, a "fast, strong, natural leader," as one of the best Indian players he's seen. From the Mumbai Dreamers camp, Australian rugby star Henry "Rapchik" Hutchison—who has spent over a decade on the global rugby sevens circuit—is equally impressed. "The quality is much higher than expected. There's enough talent here to create a really good rugby environment going forward." He admits the experience has been humbling. "A hard day for them is not the same as a hard day for us. Seeing them smile and be stoked to be here—it's inspiring. " But beyond the players, the venue also played a key role in shaping the RPL experience. To raise rugby's profile, venue choice was key. Andheri Sports Complex was picked for its pristine grass and lack of an athletics track. "Tracks push fans 30 metres away, which kills energy," explains Bose. "This field lets the game breathe." It was the lure of a stadium as big as this one that pulled Sambit Pradhan—a Forward for Hyderabad Heroes—into the game. Pradhan grew up on his family's farm in Adaspur village in Cuttack, Odisha. "One of my seniors said I'd get to play in a stadium," he recalls. "That was a big deal. I'd never been in one." He joined the Bhubaneswar Rugby Club, played for the state, and then lost three years to a hand injury. During his recovery, he worked part-time as a school sports teacher before easing back into the sport. Now part of Hyderabad Heroes, Pradhan is still surprised to be playing alongside international players and Indian stars. "All the players I'm playing with have represented India. I've only seen them on TV." Language remains a barrier. "My English isn't great. They speak fast. But we're all fluent in rugby," Pradhan adds with a grin. From Kenyan teammate Kevin Wekesa, he picked up skills like catching and lifting. From Spanish player Manuel 'Manu' Moreno, he learned how to handle pressure. "When we lost to Bengaluru Bravehearts, we were low. Our captain just ordered burgers and asked us to focus on the next match." Despite being played in 322 of India's 760 districts, rugby is still confused with American football, says Bose. He dreams big. "We want India to compete at the Olympics by 2032 or 2036. Our women are ranked 10th in Asia, the men 15th. We believe we can break into the top two in the next seven to 11 years."
India Gazette
an hour ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Bullish Chennai Bulls and red-hot Delhi Redz to play Rugby Premier League 2025 final
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): The Delhi Redz will take on the Chennai Bulls in the first-ever final of season 1 of the Rugby Premier League (RPL). In the semi-finals, on Saturday evening, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, the Chennai Bulls stormed past the Bengaluru Bravehearts, after which the Delhi Redz raised the bar and thwarted the challenge of the Hyderabad Heroes, who had finished as the table toppers in the league stage, as per a press release from RPL. In the first semi-final, the Bulls defeated the Bravehearts 31-12. The Chennai Bulls were out of the blocks at a good clip, with Vaafauese Maliko and Alexander Davis getting in their tries through speedy attacks. And Gaurav Kumar was able to convert one of the kicks after that. The Bulls were well and truly dominant on the evening, as Terry Kennedy added another try before half-time. The Bengaluru Bravehearts were caught off guard and were doing their best to find a way back into the game. However, the Bulls kept them at bay and went into the half-time break with the score at 17-0. After that, Philip Wokorach got on the scoresheet for the Bravehearts and was backed up by Iowane Teba, as they reduced the deficit by seven points. But, much to the joy of the Bulls' fans, they responded brilliantly - Joseva Talacolo crossed the line and Filipe Sauturaga added two more points to the cause. Nonetheless, the Bravehearts, who were fighting back, had the legendary Akuila Rokolisoa get his first try of the night, towards the end of the high-octane third quarter. The Bulls led by 12 points at this point. Shanawaz Ahmed, though, had other plans for the Bulls, as he scored a spectacular try and Filipe Sauturaga scored his kick with ease, to put the seal on the win. In the second semi-final, the Delhi Redz produced one of their best performances of the season, digging deep in an thrilling contest against the Hyderabad Heroes and walking away with a crucial 14-7 win. The Delhi Redz and the Hyderabad Heroes were both going for the kill from the start in their semi-final, which resulted in a fiery contest. And while both teams attacked with all their might, neither could get on the scoresheet in the first quarter. In the second quarter, it was more of the same from the two sides. The tackles got meatier, and the attacking moves saw more intent. And eventually, it was the Heroes who broke the deadlock, just before half time, as Terio Tamani used the space down the left to get his try, and then converted as well. The Delhi Redz were understandably not going to give in that easily, and they kept plugging away in the third quarter. The pressure eventually told, as Robin Plumpe got the try, and Matias Osadczuk completed the conversion. With 4 minutes to go, it was 7-7. In the final quarter, the Delhi Redz first absorbed the pressure from the Heroes, and then Patrick Okongo put the foot on the pedal and ran through the defence to register a game-changing try. Deepak Punia then added two more points to confirm their spot in the final. The Hyderabad Heroes and the Bengaluru Bravehearts will now square off for third place on Sunday, while the Chennai Bulls and the Delhi Redz have their eyes on the coveted title. (ANI)
India Gazette
5 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Special Olympics Bharat athletes experience Rugby thrill at RPL's 'Match for Change'
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): In a celebration of inclusion and the unifying power of sport, Special Olympics Bharat partnered with the Rugby Premier League (RPL) for the 'Match for Change' initiative, welcoming young athletes to experience live rugby action, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosle Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex). The event saw Special Olympics Bharat athletes in attendance to cheer on the teams in action on Friday evening, offering them a first-hand experience of the thrill, excitement and energy that defines the highest level. The athletes were also joined by V K Mahendru, Executive Director of SO Bharat and Antriksh Jaiswal, Director- Media and Communication, SO Bharat, as per a press release from Special Olympics Bharat. The visit also included a meet-and-greet between the Special Olympic Bharat athletes and Satyam Trivedi, CEO of GMR Sports, and the Delhi Redz squad, culminating in an inclusive exchange of mementoes. The symbolic moment reflected the spirit of respect, unity, and shared passion that sport fosters across communities. The initiative left a lasting impression on the Special Olympic Bharat athletes, giving them an empowering and memorable experience. It was also a reminder of how inclusive sporting platforms can truly inspire confidence and inclusivity. 'This collaboration is more than just attending a match; it's about breaking barriers and celebrating diversity. Witnessing the energy of an RPL match and interacting with the players will be an unforgettable experience for the SO Bharat athletes, reinforcing their belief in their own capabilities and the power of inclusion,' said Mallika Nadda, President, SO Bharat. 'Seeing the joy on our athletes' faces as they connected with the RPL players truly highlighted the unifying spirit of sport. This initiative is a significant step towards building a more inclusive society where everyone feels valued and celebrated,' said V K Mahendru. (ANI)
India Gazette
13 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls, Bengaluru Bravehearts, Delhi Redz set to fight for RPL spot in final
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): The league stage of the inaugural edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) concluded on Friday evening, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Kreeda Sankul (Andheri Sports Complex). After nearly two weeks of high-octane rugby sevens action, the league is down to the business end with four teams making it through to the playoffs. Hyderabad Heroes, Chennai Bulls, Bengaluru Bravehearts and Delhi Redz are the four franchises that have qualified for the playoffs. The two semifinals will take place on Saturday, with Chennai Bulls taking on the Bengaluru Bravehearts in the first match, while Hyderabad Heroes will be up against Delhi Redz. With former New Zealand captain DJ Forbes at the helm as head coach, Hyderabad Heroes have been the most dominant team across the RPL this season. Manu Moreno's leadership has been admirable as he's led from the front, while the performance of Indian players like Javed Hussain and Sambit Pradhan have been made everyone sit up and take notice. With 9 nines, one loss and 34 points during the league stage, Hyderabad Heroes head into the playoffs as the favorites, especially after getting the better of their semi-final opponents Delhi Redz, against who they registered the double. Chennai Bulls were on a roll to start the season, laying down an early marker with their performances. The likes of Terry Kennedy, Joseva Talacolo and Va'aufauese Apelu-Maliko have been exceptional in terms of their international players, while likes of Aryan Dixit, Muhammad Jasim EP, and Shahnawaz Ahmed have all made their presence felt from the Indian contingent. Head coach Ben Gollings has been meticulous in his approach so far this season, as his team secured 6 wins, a draw and 3 losses during their group stage. With 5 wins, a draw and 4 losses in their group stage, it's fair to say that the Bengaluru Bravehearts have had a rollercoaster season so far. Paco Hernandez has been calm and calculative in his approach as head coach, with his team already showing that they can go toe-to-toe with any side. In fact, Bengaluru Bravehearts are the only side in the tournament to have beaten Hyderabad Heroes so far. With the likes of Mohit Khatri, Akuila Rokolisoa, Scott Curry, Pol Pla and Philip Wokorach, they have enough experience in the side to rise to any challenge. It has been an up and down campaign for Delhi Redz in the GMR RPL, as they search for consistency going into the playoffs. With 3 wins, 2 draws and 5 losses, head coach Tomasi Cama would be expecting his side to step up to the plate when the stakes are raised. Matias Osadczuk, Matteo Graziano, Patrick Odongo, Jordon Conroy have all contributed to a healthy team atmosphere, helping the likes of Rajdeep Saha, Deepak Punia, Sunil Chawan and other Indian players flourish. The two sides faced each other twice in the league stage, with Bengaluru Bravehearts registering a commanding 26-0 victory in their first encounter. Chennai Bulls fought back in the reverse fixture, winning 31-24. Hyderabad Heroes got the better on both occasions when these two sides met in the league stage. The table-toppers secured a 40-19 win in the first match, while winning 31-7 in the reverse fixture. (ANI)
India Gazette
a day ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
RPL 2025: Hyderabad Heroes bag top spot; Mumbai Dreamers finish with a win
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 27 (ANI): The Hyderabad Heroes have been one of the most exciting teams in the tournament, and have finished top of the points table at the end of the league stage of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL), on Friday, at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex, in Mumbai. The Mumbai Dreamers too had a memorable final day of the league stage of the competition, as they ended on a high with a comprehensive win against the Bengaluru Bravehearts, as per a release from RPL. In the semi-finals of Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League, on Saturday, the Hyderabad Heroes will play the Delhi Redz, whilst the Chennai Bulls have on their agenda the Bengaluru Bravehearts. In the opening game of the day, the Hyderabad Heroes put on a fantastic show as they closed out their campaign in this phase of the tournament with a resounding 31-7 win. The Hyderabad Heroes started off at lightning speed and got their points tally moving in the first minute itself. Sukumar Hembrom turned on the afterburners for his try, and Terio Tamani converted with ease. The Delhi Redz, stunned initially, though bounced back through a Penalty Try. The Heroes were in the mood to put on a show, and before the first half ended, Terio Tamani set up Sambit Pradhan with a delightful move. Pradhan went over the line, and soon after, Joji Nasova crossed over too, and Tamani converted both attempts. At half-time, the Heroes led 21-7. It was more domination from the Heroes after the break as Lautaro Velez registered a comfortable try, extending the lead by five more points. In the final quarter, Manuel Moreno added another try and put the seal on the win. In the second game of the day, the Mumbai Dreamers' fans were well and truly in dreamland, as the team turned up the style and defeated the Bengaluru Bravehearts by a scoreline of 26-14. The Bengaluru Bravehearts benefited early on from an error by the Mumbai Dreamers and got going with a try by Philip Wokorach, after which Akuila Rokolisoa converted as well. That, though, stung the Dreamers. James Turner and Vuiviwa Naduvalo responded with two super tries, while Akash Balmiki converted on both occasions. Elias Hancock added five more to the cause just before half-time, and the Dreamers went into the break with a 19-7 lead. After the break, Akuila Rokolisoa reduced the deficit by 7 points for the Bravehearts, but the Dreamers were still in control. Before the final whistle, Turner scored another try and Akash Balmiki polished off the conversion. Eventually, the Dreamers got their first win in their final game of the tournament. (ANI)
