India could have an all-Pune team at Asian rugby Women’s Sevens

In October last year,girls from the city had grabbed half the places in the 12-member national team for a Malaysian tourney. Now,the girls have done better,underlining the fact that Pune is the hub of women’s rugby in India.

The seven are Avani Sabade,who is also team captain,Surabhi Date,Vahbiz Bharucha,Niharika Bal,Gayatri Salunkhe,Neha Pardeshi and Ketaki Khare.

Avani,the Indian captain for a while now,says,“We spent the start of the camp focusing on our fitness and gradually shifted to skill training towards the latter part. With this well rounded training regime and the experience we have gained from our previous tournaments,we should top our group.”

Fijian coach Usuaiah Biumaiwai echoes Avani’s sentiment of topping the pool and expects an improved performance from the girls this time. “Preparation has been better this time as we have had more time to practice. The fitness of the girls has reached a high level and they have a lot more games under their belt at the national level. Although their skill level has not reached international standard,I expect them to top the pool so that we can build on that performance”,said Usuaiah who is banking on Vahbiz for most of the team moves.

Vahbiz has been the Indian team’s most valuable player over the past year. The hefty,yet swift in-centre has bulldozed her way through the defence of many countries,setting up and even converting many tries on her way.

She says she does not exert too much pressure. “It’s a team game and all seven contribute equally. I don’t put any extra pressure on myself as it would affect my game adversely,” says the 17-year old.