Latest news with #GMRRPL
India Gazette
9 hours ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
From Delhi slum to standout performances at RPL, Hyderabad Heroes' Javed Hussain has an inspiring story to tell
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], 21 June 21 (ANI): A week into the Rugby Premier League (RPL) season, the Hyderabad Heroes have won all four of their matches and stand on top of the standings with 15 points and at the heart of their success is Javed Hussain, a player whose journey has been anything but ordinary. With four tries and 20 points to his name, Javed is not only the league's best-performing Indian but also ranks seventh overall in the points tally. 'I am very happy with my team. We understand and support each other. We trust each other and are united as a team,' Javed Hussain said as quoted by the RPL press release. That unity has been key in the big wins, including their last victory over the Mumbai Dreamers, where Javed was named as 'Player of the Match'. Although he is on top of his game at the moment, Javed recalled his pre-match jitters ahead of his first game at the GMR RPL. 'When I played my first match, I was a little hopeless. I didn't know how I was going to play against such big names. But everything changed after that first game and the first try I scored. When the match ended, my coach selected me as the Hero of the Day and gave me a jersey. I started crying when I got the jersey,' he shared. Javed hails from a very humble background in Vasant Kunj, New Delhi and has a peculiar story on how he got into a sport like rugby. On how his journey started, he shared, ' We used to live in Juggis (makeshift houses). There was a jungle behind where we used to go to relieve ourselves since we didn't have a bathroom. Slowly, an NGO (Earth Foundation) came, cleared the jungle and made a ground.' 'The coaches from the Delhi Hurricanes rugby club came in collaboration with the NGO and used to train kids there. I was standing there and watching as my friends used to play, but I didn't understand the sport, and I was scared of the older kids and hence didn't want to play. I started playing because the coaches told me they would give me a 'Tiger' biscuit packet after training, and for those biscuits I got greedy and started playing,' he explained. Despite his humble beginnings, Javed made it clear that he isn't playing the GMR RPL for the money or fame, but for the experience and exposure. He stated, 'When I joined the league, I didn't care about money or anything else. I just wanted to play with the people I used to watch on TV. I wanted to learn from them. It doesn't matter if I play well or not. I just wanted to experience playing with and against them.' Javed is surrounded by world-class players in the Hyderabad Heroes camp. Olympic medallists like Joji Nasova and Terio Tamani from Fiji and global stars like his Spanish Captain Manu Moreno share a locker room with him which is the kind of exposure invaluable for a budding rugby player. Javed is enjoying training under one of the biggest names in world rugby, DJ Forbes, who is also a former captain of the All Blacks Sevens team. About Forbes, Javed expressed, ' I don't have any pressure from my coach, and he is the best person that I could train under. He knows my potential and strengths and directs me very well on the field. Even our captain, Manu Moreno, is very supportive. Whenever I make mistakes, he helps me a lot and he is very insightful.' Javed plays every match with his hand taped with 'Mom' and Dad' and a heart drawn on it. When asked about this gesture, he replied, 'When I used to play earlier, my family didn't have much money, but my dad still used to support me the best he could. Despite everything, whatever I asked for, if they had the facilities, they would give that to me, and I am very grateful for them.' (ANI)
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Every match and interaction is raising our level: Mohit Khatri of Bengaluru Bravehearts reflects on positive impact of RPL
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 17 (ANI): After a draw in their opening match in the inaugural season of the Rugby Premier League (RPL), Bengaluru Bravehearts bounced back in style with a commanding 35-10 win over the Kalinga Black Tigers, registering their first victory in the tournament. The man of the match and one of India's best, Mohit Khatri, shed light on the environment in the dressing room, his experience playing against his brothers and the powerful impact RPL is set to have on the Indian rugby ecosystem. 'The first match was a draw, but we are happy with the win in our second match. Hopefully, the winning cycle will continue. Let's see what happens in the upcoming matches, but the energy is great, and the team is coming together,' an elated Mohit expressed after the big win. The RPL is a first-of-its-kind franchise-based rugby league that has enabled top stars from around the world to play together as teammates. Khatri, a seasoned Indian international himself, finds the experience of playing alongside foreign professionals highly rewarding. 'It's been a really good experience. I've learnt a lot from the foreign players in such a short time, there's so much I can't even express in words. We are slowly beginning to understand what it means to play at world standards. Every match, every interaction, it's raising our level,' he stated. 'The foreign players are incredibly down to earth. Whenever we approach them for advice, they respond, guide, encourage and even celebrate our small victories. The whole environment is very positive and supportive,' he added. Mohit isn't the only Khatri featured in the GMR RPL, as his brothers Prince Khatri and Neeraj Khatri are also playing against him for the Hyderabad Heroes and the Mumbai Dreamers, respectively. The brothers started their rugby story together in Haryana and were introduced to the sport by their eldest brother, former Indian rugby captain Vikas Khatri. 'We used to play sports like football and cricket when we were kids. One day, my elder brother Vikas told us to try something new and introduced us to rugby,' Mohit recalled. 'We've always played together but now, we're playing against each other, it is like exam time. Let's see how well I've learnt from them over the years,' he added. Since it's the first season, the RPL has included a maximum of 30 Indian players in the league, however, Mohit believes with the growing popularity of the league among the masses, the number will increase a lot going forward. Mohit shared, 'A lot of Indian players have reached out to me. The sport is still growing but this league will change that. As GMR RPL's name spreads, more kids will get inspired. Next year, maybe there'll be 50 or 60 Indian players. We'll work hard to increase that number.' Lastly, Mohit sent a warm message to the people, saying, 'If there are any kids in your neighbourhood or if there is anyone who is interested in playing a new game, our game is most welcome for all of you. Come and play our game, watch our league, and support us as much as possible.' Preview for Matches on June 17 The first game of the day will see the Delhi Redz take on the Chennai Bulls. Delhi Redz is coming off of a draw in their opening match as they face an in-form Chennai Bulls side who have won two games on the trot. Game 2 will see the Hyderabad Heroes lock horns with Bengaluru Bravehearts. Hyderabad Heroes will look to build on their momentum after a win on the opening day, however, they face challenging opponents in Bengaluru Bravehearts who have a draw and a win under their belt so far. Schedule for RPL Matches on Tuesday, June 17: Match 1 - Delhi Redz vs Chennai Bulls - 7:45 pm Match 2 - Hyderabad Heroes vs Bengaluru Bravehearts - 8:25 pm. (ANI)
Time of India
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
GMR Rugby Premier League Kicks Off with Grand Opening as India's Top Players Unveil Trophy
MUMBAI: One of the most anticipated events on the sporting calendar, the GMR Rugby Premier League (GMR RPL), officially got underway with a spectacular opening ceremony at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex), Mumbai. The glittering event saw the presence of bollywood luminaries and key dignitaries, including Abhishek Bachchan, sports ambassador and friend of Rugby, GBS Raj business chairman, airports, GMR Group, Rahul Bose, president, Rugby India, along with franchise owners, international players, and prominent personalities from the worlds of sports and entertainment. Together, they unveiled the league's uniquely crafted trophy, setting the stage for the tournament ahead. The trophy a 22-inch tall masterpiece features a black nickel-plated human hand holding aloft a gold-plated rugby ball. Its design reflects the core values of rugby: teamwork, strength, and collective effort. The seamless fusion of metals symbolizes India's rich heritage and dynamic present, embodying the spirit of unity that defines the sport. The evening's festivities were further elevated by a special performance from singer-composer Shankar Mahadevan, who rendered the Rugby Anthem, energizing the packed stadium. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Among those joining the celebrations were Bollywood icons Shabana Azmi, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Vidya Balan, Aparshakti Khurana, and Ishwak Singh, among others, adding star power to the grand launch. The inaugural season of the GMR Rugby Premier League will witness six teams battling it out across 34 matches over the next fortnight. The league features 30 Indian players, selected from an auction pool of 71, alongside international legends from across the world, making it a truly global showcase of talent. The grand finale of Season 1 is scheduled for 29 June, promising two weeks of high-octane rugby action as the teams vie for the coveted trophy.
India Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- India Today
Rugby Premier League season 1: Schedule, teams and all you need to know
The Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League is all set to get underway as Matchday 1 is upon us. The first-ever franchise-based Rugby Sevens league in the world, organised by Rugby India and GMR Sports, will host the who's who from the world of rugby, in Mumbai, and capture the imagination of the fans. Battling it out for top honours are six franchises: Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and the Mumbai Dreamers. The RPL will feature 30 marquee international players from powerhouse Rugby Sevens nations, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, USA and Spain. Additionally, 18 international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany will also be part of the tournament, enhancing the league's competitive but not the least, the GMR RPL will also see 30 Indian players selected from an auction pool of 71, participating alongside the international Premier League 2025 teams and squads Delhi Redz: Matteo Graziano, Michael Coverdale, Raj Kumar, Moritz Noll, Matias Osadczuk, Alejandro Laforga, Deepak Punia, Sunil Chawan, Mohit, Rajdeep Saha, Patrick Okongo, Jordan Conroy; Coach: Tomasi CamaHyderabad Heroes: Manuel Asensi, Sambit Pradhan, Terio Veilawa, Max Roddick, Prince Khatri, Javed Hussein, Sukumar Hembrom, Sumit Roy, Joji Nasova; Coach: DJ ForbesKalinga Black Tigers: Kyle Tremblay, Harry McNulty, Deepraj Rajabhosale, Ethan Turner, Rosko Specman, James Thiel, Maurice Longbottom, Asis Sabar, Arjun Mahato, Ajay Deswal, Pardeep Singh, Lucas Lacamp, Perry Baker; Coach: Mike FridayChennai Bulls: Nikias Lohe, Muhammed Ep, Vinay A, Akhil Anand, Joaquin Pellandini, Filipe Sauturaga, Joseva Talacolo, Terry Kennedy, Alexander Davis, Vallabh Patil, Shanawaz Ahmed; Coach: Ben GollingsadvertisementMumbai Dreamers: Aaron Cummings, Elias Hancock, Rhys James, Neeraj, Devendra Padir, Nayan K, Waisea Nacuqu, Briar Barron, Henry Hutchison, James Turner, Ganesh Majhi, Akash Balmiki; Coach: Tim WalshBengaluru Bravehearts: Tone Shiu, Scott Curry, Suresh Kumar, Iowane Teba, Mak Chung, Akuila Rokolisoa, Liam Poulton, Mohit Khatri, Karan Rajbhar, Arpan Chhetri, Prashant Singh, Pol Pla; Coach: Francisco HernandezWhat is the squad composition?Each squad will have 13 players, with two Indians required to be on the field of play at all times during the game. At any given point in time, there will be seven players on the field of play. The seven is then divided into three forwards and four backs. The starting Seven players in the GMR RPL will feature two international players, two international Bridge Players + two Indian players + 1 Coaches is the format of the matches?Each game will be played in four quarters, which will be of four minutes each, with a break of two minutes in between each phase. The total time duration for one match is not expected to exceed 22 Full schedule Courtesy: RPL Where will the GMR RPL be played?Season 1 of the GMR Rugby Premier League kicks off on 15 June, with a final scheduled for 29 June, in Mumbai at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports RPL: Where to watch in India?The season 1 of the RPL will be telecaster live on the Star Sports Select 1 and Star Sports Select 1 HD TV channels in India. The matches can also be livestreamed on JioHotstar.
United News of India
14-06-2025
- Sport
- United News of India
Rugby Premier League Season 1 begins on June 15
Mumbai, June 14 (UNI) The countdown for the inaugural edition of the GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) - the world's first franchise-based Rugby 7s league – has begun. While the six franchises gear up for what promises to be a riveting tournament, the Rugby Premier League, organised by Rugby India in collaboration with GMR Sports, will unveil the official schedule for Season 1. GMR RPL Season 1 commences on June 15, providing India's finest rugby players with a platform to rub shoulders with the world's best rugby players. The league will feature 34 matches, including four days when three games will be played, while the remainder of the tournament will have two games on each day. The grand finale is scheduled on June 29. All the matches will take place in Mumbai at the Shahaji Raje Bhosale Sports Complex (Andheri Sports Complex). The founding franchises are Bengaluru Bravehearts, Chennai Bulls, Delhi Redz, Hyderabad Heroes, Kalinga Black Tigers, and the Mumbai Dreamers. The GMR RPL will welcome 30 marquee international players from powerhouse Rugby 7s nations, including New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Fiji, Argentina, Great Britain, Ireland, USA, and Spain. Additionally, 18 international players from Canada, Hong Kong, and Germany will also join in, enhancing the league's competitive depth. The league will also feature 30 Indian players selected from an auction pool of 71. The league will also feature the best coaches in the sport, including Mike Friday (Former USA 7s Head Coach), Ben Gollings (England 7s Legend, Former Fiji 7s Head Coach), DJ Forbes (New Zealand 7s Icon), Tomasi Cama (New Zealand 7s Head Coach, New Zealand 7s Legend), Paco Hernandez (Spain 7s Head Coach), and Tim Walsh (Australia Women's 7s Head Coach). Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Bose, President, Rugby India, said, 'The Rugby Premier League is going to be a landmark moment in the history of the sport, not only in India but also globally." "The first extraordinary development came thanks to World Rugby, which gave us a 15-day window in which no international rugby 7s would be played anywhere in the world. This made the best global rugby players available to us. And now, with the schedule in place, we are one step closer to the big day, and we are eagerly awaiting that,' Bose said. Satyam Trivedi, CEO, GMR Sports, said, 'We are excited to unveil the match schedule for the Rugby Premier League, a thrilling addition to India's sports landscape. As one of the most dynamic and internationally acclaimed sports, rugby is set to captivate millions across the country through Star Sports and JioHotstar." "Over 15 action-packed days, this tournament promises to be a spectacular extravaganza that will inspire and energize the youth of India. With just a day to go, we eagerly await the moment when India welcomes rugby and showcases its passion for this exhilarating sport," he said. Joining in as the ticketing partners for GMR RPL, Anil Makhija - COO, Live Entertainment & Venues, BookMyShow said, 'We're thrilled to partner with the GMR Rugby Premier League as it kicks off its debut season, bringing the adrenaline and action of world-class rugby to Indian fans." "At BookMyShow, we're committed to enabling access to the best in live entertainment and sport, and this partnership is yet another step towards offering diverse, high-energy experiences to audiences across the country,' he said. 'The anticipation for the start of the GMR Rugby Premier League is palpable, and we're delighted to be on board with the league for its debut season. We want to give the fans a flawless experience that starts with booking tickets to witnessing some of the best rugby players in the world play in Mumbai," Makhija added. UNI BM BD
