Indian rugby players hope the game gains popularity after Commonwealth Games

Indian rugby players are hoping that rugby will receive its due recognition in India after the forthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in the national capital in October.

Addressing media after India finished fourth in Asian Rugby Sevens Championship, which concluded at the Delhi University on April 3, Rohan, a rugby player, said: “Rugby is still a developing sport in India. We are preparing for the Commonwealth Games and we are looking to get a lot of exposure from that.”

“A lot of people in India don't know about rugby as yet, but hopefully after the Commonwealth Games we will get it out there,” he added.

India, who reached the semi-finals by winning all three matches on April 2, were beaten by Sri Lankan with a score of 19-34.

Avni Sabre, member of Indian women’s rugby team, reckons that Indians are not aware of the game, but if they come to know that the players are doing well, they would definitely watch the game.

“People are not yet aware of this game. When they would know about this game and that Indian men's and women's teams are performing well, they would definitely come and watch the matches and as you have seen, they're fun to watch. The more the people will watch, the more popular it would be,” Sabre said.

According to the latest ranking by the International Rugby Board, the Indian rugby team is ranked 85th in the world out of 95 teams.