25-May-2009 101
Rugby in Orissa received another boost with five players from the state included among 18 India probables for the Asian Women’s 7s Rugby Championship to be held at Bangkok on May 30 and 31.
According to Orissa Rugby Football Association (ORFA) secretary U K Mohanty today, the five players include Sangita Minz, Jasobanti Behera, Usharani Pradhan (all from Bhubaneswar): Hiramani Kisku and Parbati Murmu (both from KISS).
The probables joined a four-day preparatory camp, which commenced at Pune today. After the conclusion of the camp, a 12-member Indian team will be announced on May 28. India women’s team is set to make its international debut in the Bangkok Asian championship.
The 18 probables were picked from the first Women’s National Rugby 7s Championship, which was held at Bombay Gymkhana in Mumbai on May 23 and 24. Altogether 16 teams, including three from Orissa took part in the National meet.
Among the Orissa teams, KISS (Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences) and Bhubaneswar reached the Plate final, where the former beat the latter 10-0 to become champions.
KISS and Bhubaneswar teams were relegated to the Plate group after suffering defeats in the quartefinals of the Main group. While KISS lost to Young Rugby Club of Kolkata 5-12, Jungle Crow (also from Kolkata) beat Bhubaneswar 5-0.
Pune became the Main champions, outplaying Jungle Crow 19-5 in the final.
