2016 Inter-District Maharashtra State Rugby Championship for Women flagged off today at Bombay Gymkhana at 8 a.m., followed by Men’s a day after. This faintly known sport, on the contrary, is a regular sight for hawkers, office-goers or passersby taking the CST-Fashion street lane, or may I say an action-packed live matinee in the backdrop of the elitist club of South Bombay.
This year’s edition welcomes as many as 35 teams from the length and breadth of Maharashtra to participate in this annual championship.
Some of the teams playing will be representing Mumbai suburbs, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Nagpur, Ratnagiri, Satara et al. Durga Patil, 18, a resident of Nahur and representing Mumbai Suburbs is super excited to be a part of this tourney and on being asked about her preparation she quips, “I am ever so ready to play rugby. I am all set to kick some butts and dive on the try line. I really want my team to win this edition and hopefully, make my way to the camp.”
Defending Champions (women) Pune has pulled out of the tournament for reasons best known to them.
The tournament will be officiated by some of the finest senior players having represented their respective states, and our country at many International events.
This championship serves as selection criteria for Ruggers aspiring to represent the state at the 2016 Senior National Rugby Sevens Championships for Men & Women which will be hosted by the Rugby Football Association of Bihar (RFAB) at the Patliputra Stadium in Patna, Bihar from August 5- 7.
Players selected to further play the nationals next month will join the camp from July 25 scheduled to be held at Bombay Gymkhana.
Seems like a fun weekend for all the spectators at the lane adjoining the venue!