Excelling at any sport cannot be achieved without the right guidance. Coaches have rarely received the limelight, appreciation or credit they deserve for their contributions and it largely remains an underappreciated job, especially amongst the lesser known sports. However, for those who truly understand the nuances of a coach’s craft, it requires immense man management skills, emotional intelligence and precise attention to detail.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Mr. Rehmuddin Shaikh, assistant coach of the Indian Women’s rugby team speaks about his journey and involvement with Rugby India, his challenges, grassroot participation, mental health and his future goals.

Q 1) How were you first introduced to rugby? How long have you been involved with Rugby India?

Ans: It’s been 21 years since I have been associated with rugby and I’m still playing the sport. I was introduced to multiple sports by volunteers of an organization and rugby was one of them, the other being cricket, football and kabaddi. When we were given the option to choose a sport and I chose rugby because it was something new and I really enjoyed it. I have been a part of Rugby India since 2016 and was also a part of the Commonwealth Games in 2010.

Q 2) What are the challenges that you have faced as Assistant Coach of Women’s Indian Rugby team? How do you overcome those challenges?

Ans: One of the challenges that I have faced as a coach is instilling confidence amongst the girls so they believe in themselves and that in turn brings out their strengths. Most teams we play against have players that are generally bigger and stronger than our girls – which often results in our girls being intimidating (psychologically). As a coach, addressing this is a real challenge I’ve had to overcome – whereby we have to block these negative perceptions and make the girls believe in their abilities and potential, which can often be missed.

Q 3) What can be done at the grassroots level to get more participation in the sport of rugby?

Ans: As part of the workforce of Rugby India, I am involved with the development of the sport in the Western region, particularly with grassroots initiatives like the ‘Get Into Rugby’ (GIR) program in Maharashtra in areas such as Chandrapur, Thane, Nanded, Kolhapur, Solapur to name a few. As part of the GIR program, if anybody needs coaching in any district in Maharashtra, our team helps deliver sessions with the focus on Training & Education and ensuring they become self sufficient. We start with the basics and gradually as their understanding of the sport improves we proceed to World Rugby Level 1 coaching followed by Level 2, 3 and so on similar to football’s A license, B license or C license.

Q 4) How different are the training methods abroad as compared to India and why?

Ans: In terms of training methods and resources, India is at par with other countries – we have amongst our workforce qualified and certified World Rugby Trainers, Educators, Coaches, Match Officials and Medics. Having said that, what is lacking (when compared to other countries) is the availability and access to infrastructure and facilities to implement these training methods. In other countries, facilities are used for multiple sports and not dedicated to just one sport or only to sports that brings them medals. There are cricket, football and hockey grounds in India but there isn’t a single facility for rugby.

Q 5) According to you, what does India need to do to catch up to the rugby standards of countries such as New Zealand or England?

Ans: If the sport of rugby receives some more support and facilities by the government, the condition could be a lot better. Also, people aren’t much aware about our game which leads to less participation. There is a lack of knowledge and understanding of the game. Besides, players who join us also look forward to some benefits and rewards to support their family and if they don’t get any they stop playing or look elsewhere. If players receive benefits and incentives and are provided good facilities the interest levels would increase. Rugby India recently signed an agreement with the Government of Odisha specifically for this wherein financial support would be provided directly to the players participating in the India camps, this would certainly help improve things a lot.



Q 6) Why is the Indian women’s rugby team doing better than the men’s team?

Ans: From my experience and observation as Asst. Coach of the Women’s Rugby Team, I think they are very passionate about the game and play it wholeheartedly. When they lose a certain game, they walk out of the field with a heavy heart and tears in their eyes, with a realization of the mistakes they have made in the game; which I feel is something the boys don’t do (or have stopped doing). They retrospect the game and take a note of their mistakes and try not to repeat it when they next take the field and I feel that’s the reason why they are progressing ahead.

Q 7) How much do you emphasize on mental health for the rugby players training under you? How do you build mental resilience for your players?

Ans: Mental health is very important. Over the last few years, through our association with the Govt. of Odisha, wherever we have our National camps we ensure the players are taken great care of – not only are they provided with good facilities, infrastructure and looked after but also the minute details of player welfare are looked after well in terms of diet, nutrition, recovery and injury rehabilitation. These things often take off a lot of burden from their head, easing mental stress. Additionally, going forward, the possibility of players being paid would also help create a more positive mindset.

Q 8) How much do you think Team India can achieve in the sport of rugby in the future?

Ans: As far as the Women’s Rugby team is concerned, we have players such as Vahbiz Bharucha, Sweety Kumari and Shweta Shahi who are highly talented girls having great skills and speed, which is of utmost importance in the sport of rugby. I think, if these players and the team are given the right support and exposure, we can see them competing with established teams and make a mark within Asia in the next two to three years. As the Indian Rugby team coach it is my dream to see our women play in the World Cup in the near future.