National Touch Rugby Championship Highlights Growth of the Sport in India

Exciting Championship at Polo Ground, Srinagar

The National Touch Rugby Championship held at the renowned Polo Ground in Srinagar has attracted participants from various regions of India, underscoring the sport's expanding presence in the country. Amidst a series of competitive matches, Sheikh Rashid, the captain of the Andhra Pradesh team, has emerged as a prominent figure, expressing both enthusiasm and respect for the local area.

Sheikh Rashid's Impressions of Kashmir

Rashid, who plays touch rugby at the state level for Andhra Pradesh, shared his pride in leading his team on a national stage, particularly during his first trip to Kashmir. He praised the event's organization and the fierce competition, emphasizing that such experiences are vital for teams aiming to enhance their skills and achieve consistent performance.

"As a state-level player and captain from Andhra Pradesh, I feel honored to participate in the National Championship here in Kashmir. This is my first visit, and I am impressed by the management and the level of competition. While our team has some areas to improve, we are focused on enhancing our game and striving for victory," Rashid stated.

"At 26, this is my first experience in Kashmir. We explored beautiful locations like Gulmarg and Sonamarg, and I even considered the possibility of settling here in the future. The overall atmosphere, competition, and experiences have been incredibly positive," he added.

Team Aspirations and Development

Discussing his team's journey in the tournament, Rashid acknowledged some challenges but emphasized a shared commitment to growth. The Andhra Pradesh team is actively working on improving their gameplay and addressing weaknesses as the championship unfolds.

Announcement of Rugby Premier League's Second Edition

In a related development, Rugby India, the sport's national governing body, recently revealed plans for the second edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), scheduled to take place at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad from June 16 to 28, 2026. Following the success of the inaugural edition last year in Mumbai, the RPL is set to return in the dynamic Rugby 7s format, aligning with the league's vision to enhance the growth and global competitiveness of rugby in India.

This upcoming edition will feature the same six franchises from the first season, continuing to provide a high-performance platform that unites top Indian and international players while delivering an exciting and engaging rugby experience for fans.