Rahul Bose Calls for Major Rugby Victory to Boost Popularity in India

Rugby India president Rahul Bose has called for a major victory to enhance the sport's visibility in the country. As the Indian senior women's Rugby Sevens team prepares for the 2026 Asian Games, both the coach and captain express optimism about their readiness. They highlight the improvements in facilities and support for players, showcasing the growth of women's rugby in India. The squad for the upcoming games has been announced, with hopes of making a significant impact in the competition. This article delves into the team's aspirations and the evolving landscape of rugby in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 22, 2026, 10:19 IST

Need for a Significant Win: Insights from Rahul Bose

Rahul Bose, the president of Rugby India, emphasized that the sport requires a notable victory on either a global or Asian stage to garner more attention in the country. He noted that the Indian senior women's Rugby Sevens team is confident in their preparations for the upcoming Asian Games in 2026. During a recent event for the jersey launch of the Indian Women’s Rugby Team, Bose remarked, "Rugby has yet to capture the spotlight in India, primarily because we haven't secured a significant tournament win. It's essential to achieve success before we can expect popularity. Until we demonstrate our capabilities on a larger scale, it's only natural that interest remains limited."

Positive Outlook for Asian Games Preparations

Paul Delport, the head coach of the Indian senior women’s Rugby Sevens team, expressed optimism regarding their preparations as they gear up to face top teams in Asia. He stated, "We are very optimistic and pleased with our training. We recognize the competitive nature of the Asian Games and have put in the necessary work. We are eager to challenge ourselves against the best teams in the region."

Captain Shikha Yadav Discusses Growth in Women's Rugby

Shikha Yadav, the team captain, shared her observations on the evolution of women's rugby in India throughout her career, particularly in terms of facilities, nutrition, and financial backing. "Having played for India for seven years and captaining for three, I can attest to the improvements. When I began, resources were limited, but since Rahul Bose's involvement and especially from 2022 onwards, we have received funding for training camps," Yadav explained.

She also highlighted the Rugby Premier League (RPL) as a significant opportunity for players from underprivileged backgrounds to consider rugby as a career. "The recent RPL provided crucial exposure for girls from less affluent backgrounds, allowing them to see rugby as a viable career option. Many players on our team have secured jobs through state and central government initiatives. While growth may not be rapid, it is sufficient to be recognized as a legitimate career path," she added.

Announcement of Squad for Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games

Rugby India has officially announced the Senior Women’s Rugby Sevens Team that will represent the nation at the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, scheduled for October 1-3 in Nagoya, Japan.

The 13-member squad will participate in the Women’s Rugby Sevens competition at the Paloma Mizuho Rugby Stadium, where India is placed in Pool B alongside defending champions China, Hong Kong, China, and Malaysia.

This Asian Games will mark a significant milestone for India's Women’s Rugby Sevens program, which made its debut in the sport at the Guangzhou 2010 Games but missed the 2014 and 2018 editions. The team returned in Hangzhou 2022, finishing in seventh place.

Indian Women’s Rugby Sevens Squad

The squad includes: Shikha Yadav (C), Dumuni Marndi (VC), Amandeep Kaur, Arti Kumari, Bhumika Shukla, Vaishnavi Patil, Guriya Kumari, Kalyani Patil, Mama Naik, Nirmalya Rout, Sandhya Rai, Sandhyarani Tudu, Ujjwala Ghuge.