look news india
Guwahati, 23 February (HS). Agali Lingfa from Arunachal Pradesh is worried that when he returns to his home state from Guwahati, his new love for rugby will remain unfulfilled because no one in his state knows about the game.
Representing National Defense University (RRU), Gujarat, Agali has completed her work at the Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023-Ashtalakshmi. His team has been eliminated after losing all four of its matches but despite the team's poor performance, there is no dearth of motivation and enthusiasm in the 21-year-old Arunachal rugby player. Now he is eager to sow the seeds of this sport in his home state.
Agali started out as a footballer in Sepa in East Kameng district and became a rugby player only a few months ago after being selected for the RRU, Gujarat team. He was immediately fascinated by the power and speed required for the game and wanted to form a team in Pasighat using the limited knowledge he gained from his stint in Gujarat.
“I will soon be transferred to the Pasighat campus of the National Defense University and there is no rugby team on the campus,” Aghali said. So, when I join the campus, I will try to build a team with whatever fundamentals I have learned from my coaches.”
Agali further said, “Nobody knows about this game in Arunachal. This is a new game for the state. I want to start by mentoring under-14 kids. Someone has to step up, why not me? If I don't try and keep thinking about whether I will succeed or not, it won't work.”
Agali said, “There are many football players in Arunachal Pradesh and if some of them volunteer for the new game then we can form a team. Results will come, but first people need to understand the game. I will try this in Pasighat campus. We can initially take help from coaches through video conferencing and then hire a permanent coach.”
The BA Security Management student said he is also hoping to convince Rugby India to help him set up a grassroots coaching facility in the north-eastern state.
Agali also praised the Khelo India University Games and said the platform has helped him and his young RRU team assess where they stand against other top universities.
Agali further said, “This is my first Khelo India University Games and considering the level of competition here, we will return with a lot of things. There are many players in sports who have played for the country, so competing against such players gives you an opportunity to learn, even if you lose.”