Making a name for sports other than cricket is a tough job in India, where cricket is the national favorite. These sports have a lot to offer at the International level. Still, some players are interested in these sports. They put their blood, sweat, and soul into it. For them, bruises on their bodies aren’t bruises but batches of honor.
So as dutiful citizens, it is our duty to morally boost these players and motivate them to take the Team forward. Today, HatkeStory is bringing Deepak Punia’s story, the Vice-captain of the India rugby 7s team. We are feeling proud to share his story on our platform. While playing Rugby, Deepak had his struggles and difficulties, and he rose over them to rise and shine for the country. His story is an inspiration for many youngsters, so let’s listen to him.
Deepak Punia – Vice-captain of the India rugby 7s team
I’m Deepak Punia, Vice-captain of the Indian Rugby sevens team. I hail from Haryana but currently staying in Delhi. I have been playing Rugby for many years, and it has shaped my life in a way I could never think.
It all started in my childhood. I used to play cricket with my brother in an academy. We went to play cricket one day, but we couldn’t as the pitch was wet due to the rain. We did running, parade, rolling, and other fun drills. After seeing my body movements, my coach suggested that I should play Rugby. He had said, ‘Deepak let your brother play cricket. You play Rugby. I’m sure you will be good at it.’ I didn’t ponder over the thought much, but then he enrolled me in Delhi Hurricane Rugby Club.
In 2013, at the age of 15, I started playing Rugby, and I loved it honestly from the bottom of my heart. Playing Rugby felt like I had a deep connection with it. I played for three consecutive years and was called to join the Indian Rugby camp. I went to Mumbai to take part in the game. Then, I was selected as the team captain under 19.
I played many tournaments on the national and international level in countries like Hongkong, Thailand, Qatar, Doha, and many others. But the world cup championship was far away from our reach because India was on the second level in Asia, and we needed to be on the first to become a part of it.
An injury during the Mumbai Club Tournament turned life upside-down. Despite my injury, I stretched my thigh muscles due to fast running and continued to play in the second half. With time, it became worse, and I had to refrain from the sport.
For quite a long time, I wasn’t allowed to play. Rugby is a heavy sport, so my family advised me to choose something else, but I couldn’t leave it behind. Rugby had given me so much, and it took a lot to achieve that position. I fought hard to survive, and it took one and a half years to get over the injury. I was on bed rest for almost a year and consulted different doctors, but none could treat it. Then I attempted to playback multiple times, but the pain would occur again. At some point, I thought I could never play again. However, miracles do happen.
Someone told me that there is a doctor in Delhi who treats Olympic-level players. I went to meet him, and with his treatment, I recovered in the next six months, and then I could play again. It was like getting my life back.
More time passed, I played more tournaments, won many tournaments, and got awarded by the state for my performance. Coming here wasn’t easy. I had a demanding schedule and a very hectic daily routine.
Currently, I’m working as a trainer at Curefit to support my financial status because the government doesn’t do it. We have to earn and play Rugby side by side because Rugby is a rare sport in India. Now, it is growing, but the route is quite long. All the players of the other games get financial support from the government, but we don’t get it. I have to pay for my fitness supplements as well. Only 20-30% of funds compared to other games are available for us.
In camps, we train for a month to play the tournament. Some of the players don’t even come on time. They join in the last ten days, so it affects the Team’s performance. I have left some of my jobs to play the tournaments, but it’s not possible all the time. Everyone needs money to survive in the world, and we need it too. Players in India play Rugby because they love it, and there is no motivation from the country’s side, be it government or people. It’s just their passion for Rugby that pulls them back. People often tell me to quit, but I can’t go back. I love it too much to call it quits.
There is a lack of supplements, equipment, and other Rugby related things but authorities hardly care. We get sponsorship from corporates sometimes, but it’s not enough. The government only appreciates us when we get a medal, but they don’t care when it’s not in the picture. Recently, the Chinese Team defeated us though we had defeated them back in 2015. Everyone questioned our capabilities, and I had difficulty getting over the failure, but I’m a player, and I have to get up and fight back.
So I urge people to watch other sports as well. It will support the game and players. It’s okay to watch the cricket but don’t over-prioritize it. Unfortunately, the importance of other sports is very different in our country. We can bring change together if everyone starts watching other games too. So please do it to bring change, to support our country, and to show the world that India has enough power to rule every sport.
We sincerely thank Deepak Punia for connecting with us.
May he achieve more in life and take the country’s Rugby team to new heights.
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