Parbati Hansdah: The Rise of a Rugby Captain
Parbati Hansdah and Indian Rugby
For many young athletes, the journey to the national stage begins far away from major stadiums and established sporting centres. It often starts on local grounds, where talent is identified and developed through discipline, training and the guidance of mentors.
For Parbati Hansdah, rugby became that pathway.
Her rise as a rugby player and captain reflects not only her own determination but also the importance of the people and organisations that support athletes at the grassroots level.
Parbati Hansdah’s Rugby Journey
Parbati’s development has been closely connected with Future Star Sports Academy (FSSA), an organisation working to identify and develop sporting talent at the grassroots level.
FSSA focuses on athlete development, coaching, education, mentoring and creating pathways for young athletes to progress.
For athletes like Parbati, such support can provide the foundation needed to move from local competition to higher levels of the sport.
Rugby and the Role of Mentorship
Behind many sporting journeys is a mentor who sees potential before others do.
For Parbati Hansdah, Dibyaranjan Das has played an important role in that journey through his work with Future Star Sports Academy.
Dibyaranjan Das and Future Star Sports Academy
The story of Parbati and her mentor is also a story about grassroots sports development.
FSSA was established in Mayurbhanj with a focus on grassroots athlete identification, residential training, school-based sports, life skills, mentoring and long-term athlete development.
The academy’s approach goes beyond simply preparing athletes for competitions. It aims to create an environment where young players can continue developing both as athletes and individuals.
A Mentor’s Grit
For a young rugby player, technical training is only one part of development.
Consistency, confidence, discipline and the ability to deal with setbacks are equally important. Mentors can help athletes navigate those challenges while continuing to believe in their potential.
That relationship between athlete and mentor forms an important part of Parbati’s story.
Parbati Hansdah and Odisha Rugby
Parbati’s progress has also contributed to Odisha’s growing presence in women’s rugby.
Odisha Rugby and National Competition
Odisha women have continued to perform strongly at the national level.
In the 2026 Senior National Rugby Sevens Championship, Odisha defeated Bihar 27-0 in the final to regain the women’s title. Parbati was among the Odisha players who scored in the final.
The victory gave Odisha its third women’s national title in six years and underlined the state’s continued presence in Indian women’s rugby.
Parbati Hansdah on the National Stage
Parbati also represented the Kolkata Banga Tigers in the women’s Rugby Premier League in 2026. She was one of three Future Star Sports Academy players selected for the competition.
Her progression from grassroots development to high-level competition illustrates the importance of creating pathways for young athletes to move forward.
Women’s Rugby and Grassroots Sports
The development of women’s rugby depends on more than individual performances.
Building Women’s Rugby in Odisha
Grassroots programmes can help introduce young girls to sport, provide regular coaching and create opportunities to compete.
Organisations such as Future Star Sports Academy are working towards this broader sporting ecosystem by combining coaching with education, mentoring and athlete support.
The continued success of Odisha’s women’s rugby team also demonstrates what can happen when athletes receive opportunities to compete at different levels.
The Next Generation of Rugby Players
Parbati Hansdah’s journey can serve as an example for young players who are beginning their own sporting journeys.
Her story shows how talent can develop when athletes have access to training, competition, mentorship and a supportive environment.
The Future of Indian Rugby
From Grassroots Rugby to the National Stage
The development of athletes like Parbati highlights the importance of investing in grassroots sport.
A strong pathway can allow young athletes to move from local grounds to state competitions, national championships and professional leagues.
Parbati’s journey is therefore not only about one rugby player. It is also about the coaches, mentors, academies and communities that help athletes move forward.
Parbati Hansdah’s Rugby Legacy
Parbati Hansdah’s rise represents the combination of talent, hard work and mentorship.
Alongside her own efforts, the support of people such as Dibyaranjan Das and organisations such as Future Star Sports Academy has been part of the journey.
As Indian women’s rugby continues to develop, stories like Parbati’s underline the value of giving young athletes the opportunity, guidance and platform to grow.
