Unbeatable ruggers: Haryana's Rugby squad completes golden hat trick at Goa National Games

By Saurabh Duggal

In a stunning display of dominance, the Haryana rugby team secured its third consecutive gold in the 37th Goa National Games on Friday.

In the final, Haryana boys defeated Maharashtra, solidifying their reputation as India's undisputed champions in rugby 7.

Haryana, a state renowned for its wrestlers and boxers, has maintained an impressive winning streak in rugby in the national circuit since 2017. Over the past decade, the Haryana men's rugby team has only suffered a single loss, which occurred during the 2016 Senior National finals. Apart from that solitary defeat, the state has consistently claimed gold in both National Championships and National Games.

"Maintaining a winning streak for such a long period is no easy feat. It is a testament to our boys' strength in the national circuit," said Narender Mor, the team leader at the Goa National Games.

Sonipat has played a significant role in Haryana's rugby domination. Out of the 12-member squad, seven players hail from the rural areas of the city. 

"Though Sonipat has been the dominant force in rugby, we are now seeing players emerging from other parts of the state as well. Our winning squad includes players from Sonipat, Jhajjar, Faridabad, Ambala, and Hisar," added Mor, who is also a secretary Haryana Rugby Association.

The golden team in Goa is led by Deepak Kumar Punia, hailing from Hisar, who has now secured his second National Games title.

The Haryana men's rugby team made its debut in the National Games in 2011 in Ranchi, where they had to settle for silver after losing the final to Maharashtra. However, since then, they have not suffered a single defeat, even during the league stages of the Games.

Sarvinder Dabas, a former international rugby player, serves as both the coach and president of the state unit.

Golden Team: Vikas Khatri, Tilakraj, Prince Khatri, Mohit Khatri, Neeraj, Sachin, and Tushir (all from Sonipat), Pranay (Faridabad), Aniket (Ambala), Ajay Deswal and Manoj Kumar (both from Jhajjar), Deepak Kumar Punia (Hisar).

Team's leader, Narender Mor, coach Sarbinder Dabas, and physio Madhav.