Rugby training and talent selection for students have started in the remote region of Lahaul in Himachal Pradesh. Rugby training has reached high-altitude areas as the Rugby Association Himachal Pradesh brings the sport to schools situated more than 9,000 feet above sea level.
Coach Navpeet Singh visited Government School Trilokinath to conduct training and find talented players for Under-19 boys and girls teams. About 150 students from 19 schools are taking part in the ongoing school sports meet in the Lahaul region. The boys event is happening now, and the girls event is set for September 22.
The Himachal Pradesh Government added rugby to school games on a trial basis for this academic year. District teams are formed through trials, and a state-level tournament is planned for October.
The sports pathway aims to help students from tribal areas learn new skills and compete at higher levels. ADPEO Lahaul Vinod Kumar welcomed the initiative for bringing specialised coaching to remote areas. Selected players can also look forward to national competitions as rugby is included in the School Games Federation of India programme, with National School Games listed in Delhi from October 31 to November 5, 2026.
