Sangeeta Minz’s is an incredible story. This 20-year-old from Bhubaneswar, who is a national level kabaddi player, will be representing India in rugby at the Asian women’s tournament.
Sangeeta Minz’s is an incredible story. This 20-year-old from Bhubaneswar, who is a national level kabaddi player, will be representing India in rugby at the Asian women’s tournament in Pattaya on May 30. The incredible part is Sangeeta played her first rugby game only a few weeks ago and now she is a part of the first-ever Indian team.
Sangeeta had represented Orissa in the All India Women’s 7s tournament which was held in Mumbai recently. “Most of my teammates were either kabaddi players or boxers,” she said, adding that not many people had even heard of rugby back in Orissa.
“Though I am a part of the Indian team, my parents have no idea what this sport is.”
She was initiated into rugby by her state kabaddi coach, who informed her about the rugby tournament in Mumbai. Though kabaddi and rugby seem to be poles apart, Sangeeta saw similarities. “Both are contact sports and you need strength, quick reflexes and good communication skills. The only difference is that in kabaddi, you have to hold on to your opponent, while in rugby you have to push her away,” she observed.
However, it is not only kabaddi players who have made it to the rugby squad. Vahbiz Bharucha, who was a state level wrestler and national level handball player, feels her wrestling background has been of great help. “For me, rugby is combination of wrestling and running,” said the 16-year-old from Pune. India is one of the 14 teams in the Asian championship.
Squad: Avani Sabade (c), Neha Pardeshi, Shruti Marathe, Ketaki Khare, Vahbiz Bharucha, Shweta Prachande, Gayatri Salunke, Niharika Bal, Anu Kulkarni, Vaishnavi Sose, Surabhi Date, Sangeeta Minz and Jashobani Pradhan.
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