In a bid to strengthen rugby at the grassroots level, the Rugby Association of Himachal Pradesh (RAHP) organised a Rugby Training and Development Camp for young players at Auckland House School Boys, Shimla, on Saturday. The initiative forms part of the association’s ongoing mission to nurture emerging talent across the state.
The camp, conducted under the guidance of coaches Kavita and Dimple, focused on introducing participants to rugby’s core techniques, fitness routines and game fundamentals. The sessions were designed to inspire greater interest in the sport among school-going children while developing their basic playing skills.
Thirty young players from different schools and localities across Shimla district enthusiastically participated in the camp. The participants included Riya Verma, Bhavita Verma, Payal Verma, Aditya Verma, Shaurya Chauhan, Dhariya, Daksh, Arpita Thakur, Tanyash, Kanika, Varahi Thakur, Kunal Thakur, Vriddhi Sood, Anika Thakur, Kanika Singh Thakur, Ayaan Kanwar, Happy, Suhani, Payal, Divya, Ridhima, Gunjan, Bhoomika, Sakshi, Karan, Naveen, Suraj, Tanish Sharma, Madhav Kaul and Surya Sood.
Representing institutions and areas such as Mashobra, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Auckland House School, Government School Boileauganj, Kandaghat and Shimla city, the participants reflected the growing popularity of rugby among youngsters in the region.
RAHP officials said the association remains committed to expanding the sport across Himachal Pradesh through regular coaching camps, school outreach initiatives and competitive platforms aimed at identifying and nurturing promising talent.
Meanwhile, the association announced that the Open State Under-18 Rugby Selection Trials for boys and girls will be held on June 28 at Government Senior Secondary School, Chaura Maidan, Shimla, from 8.30 am. Players born in 2008, 2009 and 2010 are eligible to participate.
The selection process will be overseen by chief selectors deputed by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU), ensuring transparency and fairness. Players from six districts—Shimla, Solan, Bilaspur, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kullu—are expected to compete for a place in the Himachal Pradesh team.
The selected players will go on to represent the state at the Under-18 National Rugby Championship in Telangana, scheduled for the first and second week of July.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
