How a quiet sporting uprising is changing lives and rewriting perceptions in eastern India
Once considered a sporting backwater, Bihar has staged a remarkable transformation in a game hardly associated with India—rugby. In what can only be described as a sporting fairytale, the state has turned into a breeding ground for rugby champions, many of them young girls from rural and modest backgrounds.
The Unlikely Genesis
The story begins in 2012 with one man’s vision—Pankaj Kumar, then an athletics administrator with little background in rugby. But what he lacked in technical knowledge, he made up for with a deep belief: that Bihar’s youth, full of raw talent and resilience, deserved a chance to shine on a new stage. He began traveling from village to village, looking not for polished athletes but for sprinters, daredevils, and dreamers.
It was during these journeys that he discovered Shweta Shahi in Nalanda—a local girl whose tenacity on the field matched any national athlete. Shweta would go on to represent India internationally, becoming an icon in her community and a pioneer for women in the sport. Her success began to chip away at deep-seated stereotypes and doubts.
The Rise of Rugby Queens
If Shweta opened the doors, Sweety Kumari kicked them wide open. Hailing from the town of Barh, Sweety was electric on the field. Her speed, agility, and aggression earned her the title of “Asia’s Fastest Rugby Player.” Her story spread like wildfire across villages, and for many girls in Bihar, rugby suddenly became more than just a game—it was a ticket to identity, respect, and opportunity.
Sweety’s ascent coincided with the state government launching the “Medal Lao, Naukri Pao” scheme—offering jobs to athletes who win medals. With rugby now officially recognized, young girls from farming families and dusty towns began lacing up their boots with fresh ambition.
ASMITA and the Power of Purpose
A major turning point came with the introduction of the ASMITA League—short for “Achieving Sports Milestones by Inspiring Women Through Action.” It was more than just a tournament. It was a movement aimed at changing the gender narrative in sports. In places like Barh, over 70% of rugby trainees were now girls. The fields that once hosted cattle are now echoing with the rhythm of rugby drills.
At the 2025 Khelo India Youth Games, Bihar’s girls’ team crushed Odisha 22–0 in a defining moment of dominance. Ten of those girls had emerged directly through ASMITA initiatives. Bihar wasn’t just participating anymore; it was leading.
More Than Medals
Today, Bihar’s rugby program has produced over 100 players for the national camp. The state has claimed three back-to-back gold medals at the Sub-Junior Rugby Nationals. But what stands out more than silverware is the shift in mindset.
Girls who once weren’t allowed to step outside after sunset are now travelling to national camps. Parents who once feared judgment are now proudly hanging framed photographs of their daughters in jerseys.
A New Identity
In a country where cricket dominates headlines and funding, Bihar’s rugby journey is a refreshing reminder that sports can be a powerful engine for change—even when they begin far from the spotlight. What started as a hopeful experiment has grown into a cultural shift, led by fearless girls in studs and sweat.
The fields of Bihar now tell a different story—not one of poverty or limitation, but of defiance, determination, and transforma
tion.
And they’re not done yet.
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