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Breaking Barriers: Indian Women’s Rugby Captain Vahbiz Bharucha’s Journey From A Kick-Off To The Perfect Touchdown

Vahbiz Bharucha, captain of Indian Women’s Rugby team, says her journey as an athlete began the day she was conceived.

Vahbiz Bharucha in Pune. (Photo: BloombergQuint) 
Vahbiz Bharucha in Pune. (Photo: BloombergQuint) 

Being the captain of a rugby team is no mean feat. More so if you are a woman in a country like India.

Vahbiz Bharucha, a physiotherapist by profession, has overcome gender stereotypes to lead the Indian Women’s Rugby team. Vahbiz said her journey as an athlete began the day she was conceived, when she had to race against million sperms to be the chosen one.

With fewer dedicated stadia and negligible salaries for players, Rugby is still considered an amateur sport in India.

Vahbiz’s dream is to represent India in the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics. She also wishes to become a coach once she retires. Under her captaincy, the Indian Women’s Rugby team ventured for the first time into the 15-a-side format in 2017.

Vahbiz, along with tackling the ball, is grappling with the clutches of patriarchy. She and her team of young women are paving the way for others to follow their dreams.

Watch Vahbiz Bharuchas journey here:

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