In a landmark initiative for youth sports, the inaugural Under-12 Boys and Girls Rugby Championship concluded successfully at Government Polytechnic Sundernagar, highlighting growing interest in rugby across Himachal Pradesh.
Young athletes from five districts—Shimla, Kullu, Bilaspur, Mandi, and Sirmaur—took part in the event, with a total participation of 104 players, including nearly 45 girls.
The closing ceremony was attended by Chief Guest Vivek Chandel, IAS, Director of the Fisheries Department, who praised the organisers for creating opportunities for children to engage in sports. He underlined the role of discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship in shaping well-rounded individuals.
Dr. Vikas Sood, President of the Rugby Association of Himachal Pradesh (RAHP), stated that introducing rugby at the Under-12 level is a significant move toward strengthening the state’s sporting ecosystem. He reiterated RAHP’s vision to take rugby to schools and rural areas, enabling broader access and early talent development. He added that such initiatives are key to identifying promising players for higher-level competitions.
The results saw Sirmaur dominate both categories. In the girls’ division, Sirmaur clinched gold, defeating Shimla 5–0 in the final, while Kullu secured bronze. In the boys’ category, Sirmaur again took the top spot, overcoming Shimla 5–0 in the final, with Sirmaur A finishing third.
Vishal Sarin, General Secretary of RAHP, described the event as a strong indicator of increasing enthusiasm for rugby among young players in the state. He emphasized the importance of early competitive exposure in developing confidence and discipline, and assured that more district and state-level tournaments will be organised regularly.
The organisers extended their gratitude to players, coaches, parents, volunteers, and supporting authorities, expressing optimism that the championship will evolve into a recurring event to nurture future rugby talent in Himachal Pradesh.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
