Shikha Yadav Becomes Highest-Paid Indian Woman Rugby Player in RPL Auction
A Historic Achievement for Women's Rugby
Shikha Yadav, the captain of the Indian women's rugby team, expressed her joy after being recognized as the highest-paid Indian female player during the Rugby Premier League (RPL) Season 2 auction. She described this achievement as both 'incredibly special' and unexpected.
Recently, GMR Sports and Rugby India made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the RPL, introducing women's franchises for the second season. This season is set to take place from June 16 to 28 at Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad.
Leading the Charge in Women's Rugby
In the auction held in April, Shikha emerged as the top signing for Delhi Redz, securing a contract worth Rs 2.4 lakh. This milestone signifies a major advancement for women's rugby in India, showcasing the increasing recognition and investment in the sport ahead of the league's second season.
A Moment of Surprise and Pride
"When I first heard the news, I was incredibly surprised. It was a wonderful piece of news, but being the highest-bid Indian women's player was a huge shock. It felt really special at that moment," Shikha shared.
Expanding Opportunities in Rugby
Discussing the upcoming season, Shikha emphasized the significance of including women's rugby, which she believes will enhance the league's overall impact. "The inaugural RPL season was primarily focused on men. Its success has paved the way for women's rugby this season, which will elevate the league's impact and success rate," she noted.
She also mentioned that the league will serve as a significant platform for emerging talent, both from India and abroad. "It creates huge opportunities for all rugby players—both the international athletes joining us and our own Indian youth. RPL has opened up a platform where our young talent can truly showcase their skills," she added.
Rugby's Growth in India
Shikha highlighted the rapid growth of rugby in India, noting improvements in resources, support, and infrastructure, largely driven by the RPL. "Rugby resources have changed significantly. We are seeing consistent development throughout the year. For instance, our women's team qualified for the Asian Games. Most of these milestones are a direct result of the benefits and exposure provided by the RPL platform," the 27-year-old stated.
She credited the league for establishing a more structured ecosystem for players, which facilitates better training opportunities and competitive exposure at the highest level. Shikha emphasized the impact of international exposure on Indian players, stating, "RPL brings in Olympians and highly experienced players who have been playing top-tier rugby for years. Our Indian players have had the chance to play alongside them, gaining invaluable experience. This exposure directly impacted our subsequent tournaments."
Finding Passion in Rugby
Reflecting on her journey, Yadav shared that her passion for rugby developed after trying various sports. "Before discovering rugby, I practiced several sports like athletics, volleyball, and throwball. But rugby was different—it felt like a sport that demands everything: stamina, strength, and tactical skill. In that moment, I knew rugby was my true passion," she explained.
The dynamic and demanding nature of rugby ultimately shaped her career at the highest level.
Corporate Support for Rugby's Development
Shikha welcomed the involvement of corporate entities like GMR Sports in the Rugby Premier League, emphasizing that such support is vital for the sport's growth. "It is incredibly heartening when major organizations support a sport like ours, which is still in its developing stages. I can see it growing at a very rapid pace now. Having such big companies helping to develop and promote rugby is very encouraging. I am very happy to see this support," she concluded.