Touch Rugby, will be held on February 5 at RBANMS Grounds.
“We try to create sport events in public areas so that the games are accessible to all. This is is one such initiative,” says Frederic Bichet, the regional manager, Karnataka.
Why Touch Rugby to begin with? “We want people to discover sports which are not popular in India. Touch Rugby is perfect — simple, fun, a team game and accessible to all,” he adds.
The experience
So, what is it like to learn this game? Is it for everyone? Is it fun? We give Bengalureans a lowdown on the experience and the feel of playing a different sport. We speak to the core team comprising of youngsters who were trained to play touch rugby. The team will assist Bengalureans with the new sport on Sunday.
MEET THE TEAM
Sangita Padiyar
“It has been euphoric! It takes a little bit getting used to, as you need to pass the ball back and not forward. After repeated attempts, I got it right and it’s addictive,” she says. Breaking the ‘it’s a man’s game’ tag, she adds, “We play mixed touch, where men and women play together. Saying that, I’m game for an all-women’s touch game against the men’s team. The game is fun,” she adds.
Joben
Don’t go by the name, says Joben. “Touch Rugby might sound a bit ‘fruity’, but it involves a lot of flexibility and stamina. All your strength comes to nothing when it comes to Touch Rugby.” And did he find it hard for the first time? “Yes! I thought rugby was about smashing into opponents. So, I ended up with a lot of cuts and bruises for nothing. Because Touch Rugby simply involves judging your opponent and moving.”
Prathima S. Vadana
She yearns to break the myth. “If you think rugby is a game for those who are strong physically, you are wrong. It’s a game of strategy, team work, speed and concentration.”
Talking about the challenges she faced on the first day, she says, “Sometimes, you are face to face with someone who might be four times your size! One needs courage to run towards them. I’d like to think it’s a mutual feeling as with Touch Rugby, it’s not pulling the opponent down but ensuring that you stop him from moving ahead.”
EXPERT TALK
Puneet Krishnamurthy has captained the Bengaluru Rugby team for over six years. He will also be present at RBANMS, to train all those interested.
“I’ve had some wonderful memories, played against some great teams and captained some world class players. I was also the vice-captain of the Indian team for a brief period, it was one of the biggest honours and achievements of my playing career,” he says.
Are there many keen takers for this sport in the city? “It has a ‘macho’ tag for boys and the girls want to prove they are nothing less — these factors attract many to the sport initially. There is a huge base of youngsters who play the sport in the city and it’s slowly picking up.”
Factoids by Puneet
Rugby is the third most watched spectator sport in the world (after the Olympics and the Football World Cup). It’s played in more than 150 countries worldwide. Rugby has been in India for over 130 years. Contrary to popular belief, Rugby is played as much between the ears as it is physically. It is a true test of your mind and body.
What’s cool?
* Rugby is a game which requires you to be disciplined and teaches team spirit.
* It builds character.
* A game of rugby is a full body workout unlike other sports which requires you to focus on few muscle groups.
* It’s great fun, it requires you to be physically and mentally sharp.
