A major grassroots rugby development initiative has gained momentum in Himachal Pradesh, with more than 100 boys and girls already receiving professional training through free district-level camps organized by the Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh (RAHP). The programme aims to identify and nurture young talent for the state’s Under-18 Rugby Team, which will participate in the upcoming National Rugby Championship next month.
Supported by SJVN, the Rugby Development Camp programme has successfully completed its first phases in Nalagarh and Mandi districts. Around 60 children participated in the camp at Doon Public School, Nalagarh, while nearly 50 young players attended the camp in Mandi. Overall, approximately 105 participants, including around 25 girls and 80 boys, have received foundational training in contact rugby.
The initiative is designed to strengthen rugby at the grassroots level while creating a structured pathway for talented young athletes to represent Himachal Pradesh at national-level competitions. In addition to player development, the camps are also equipping Physical Training Instructors (PTIs), sports teachers, and coaches with knowledge of rugby rules, coaching techniques, and athlete development practices.
During the camp in Mandi, Vinod Kumar, MLA from Nachan, visited the venue and interacted with players and organizers. Commending the efforts of the District Rugby Association Mandi, he highlighted the growing importance of sports in addressing social challenges such as substance abuse among youth. He noted that sports provide a constructive and disciplined environment for young people and assured his support for the promotion and expansion of rugby in the region.
According to Vishal Sarin, General Secretary, Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh, all camps are being conducted completely free of cost. He stated that the association remains committed to developing rugby as an affordable, inclusive, and accessible sport throughout the state.
The next phase of the programme will include camps at Nirmand (Kullu district) on June 15–16, Bilaspur on June 16–17, followed by a camp in Shimla.
As part of the talent identification process, up to eight promising boys and girls from each district camp are being shortlisted for the final selection trials scheduled to be held in Shimla on June 21. The selected athletes will form the Himachal Pradesh Under-18 Rugby Team, which will represent the state at the National Rugby Championship to be held in Hyderabad, Telangana, during the first and second weeks of July.
Officials of the Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh expressed confidence that the programme will create a strong foundation for the sport in the state by expanding participation, identifying talent at an early stage, and establishing a sustainable player development system for future generations.
The initiative marks a significant step toward strengthening Himachal Pradesh’s sporting ecosystem and opening new opportunities for young athletes to excel on national platforms.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
