Rugby Coaching Initiative Launches in High-Altitude Himachal Pradesh
Rugby Takes Off in Lahaul-Spiti
In a remarkable development for rugby in Himachal Pradesh, structured coaching and talent scouting for Under-19 players has commenced at Trilokinath, located over 9,000 feet above sea level. This initiative, announced by the Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh (RAHP), aims to elevate the sport in this remote region.
Navpeet Singh, a coach and selector for RAHP, visited Government School Trilokinath to conduct a refresher course for students and scout potential talent for the Under-19 boys' and girls' rugby teams.
This program coincides with the ongoing school sports meet in Lahaul, featuring around 150 participants from 19 schools. Currently, the focus is on boys' events, while the girls' competition is set for September 22.
The significance of this initiative is heightened by the Himachal Pradesh Government's decision to trial rugby in the Under-19 category for school games during this academic year. District-level teams will be formed through trials, leading to a proposed State-level tournament in October.
The goal is to provide students across the State, particularly from remote and tribal areas, with the chance to learn rugby, enhance their skills, and compete through a structured school sports framework.
Vinod Kumar, ADPEO Lahaul, praised the initiative, highlighting the importance of bringing specialized rugby coaching to the district's remote areas. He noted that including rugby in school games would allow students to explore a new sport and develop their athletic abilities.
Kumar emphasized that introducing coaching and talent identification in locations like Trilokinath would create more opportunities for local students and encourage greater participation in sports.
The unique geographical context of this program is noteworthy. Government records indicate that Trilokinath is situated at approximately 2,760 meters (over 9,000 feet) above sea level. While high-altitude rugby training exists globally, implementing grassroots coaching and talent identification in such a remote Himalayan area marks a significant step in the sport's growth.
For RAHP, the Trilokinath initiative is part of a broader strategy to promote rugby beyond traditional sporting hubs and discover talent from various districts in Himachal Pradesh.
This school-level rugby initiative also paves the way for higher competition. After district trials, a State tournament is planned for October, where selected players can aim for State representation.
Rugby is also featured in the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) program, with Under-19 Rugby Boys and Girls included in the National School Games scheduled in Delhi from October 31 to November 5, 2026.
For the young athletes of Lahaul, the program at Government School Trilokinath signifies more than just an introduction to rugby; it marks the beginning of a sporting journey that could lead to district, State, and national competitions.
Following the boys' event and the upcoming girls' event on September 22, the focus will shift to identifying and nurturing rugby talent from schools throughout Lahaul-Spiti, according to Vikas Sood, President of the Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh.