Chandigarh, April 30:
The Punjab Government will make special efforts to boost the game of Rugby in the state and taking the first step in this direction, Rugby sport will be included in the ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Deya’ for this year. It was stated by Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer during a meeting with Indian Rugby Football Union President Rahul Bose at his official residence.
During discussions with Rahul Bose who is a former international Rugby player and Film Actor/Director, to promote rugby in Punjab, Meet Hayer said that the State Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is making continuous efforts to revive the sports culture in Punjab. State Government organised the first ever ‘Khedan Watan Punjab Deya’ in 2022 in which more than 3 lakh sportsmen participated in 30 sports competitions. This time Rugby will also be included.
Meet Hayer further said that Rugby is a combination of Athletics, Kabaddi, Football and Handball, which suits the nature of Punjabis. There is every possibility that Punjabis will perform better in this game. He said that Rugby Seven is a short form of this game which is included in the Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth Games, so efforts will be made to find acceptance for this form of the game in Punjab.
Rahul Bose also showed a power point presentation to Meet Hayer about the game of Rugby. Giving information about the game of Rugby, which is popular in the world like football, basketball etc., Rahul Bose said that the scope of this game is increasing very fast and being a part of the Olympic/Asian/Commonwealth Games, it has now become a medal sport. He said that this game has started to be played a lot in Punjab in the last few years because in Punjab the required qualities like speed, strength and stamina for this game are found in the players. On the demand of the Sports Minister of Punjab, Rahul Bose also announced to hold an invitational Rugby Seven tournament in the state soon.
Director of Sports Amit Talwar was also present on the occasion.
