Rugby skills of players in Kashmir being honed by US coach

SRINAGAR - Rugby Association of Kashmir has hired a professional American rugby coach to develop the game in the Himalayan region.

Gregory Bruce, a former Rugby player arrived in Srinagar on the special request of Jammu Kashmir Ruby Association (JKRA).

Scores of players, including women of all age groups, are receiving essential tips from Bruce, who played for Boston Irish club in the United States.

Experts said this training would help in producing the world-class players besides developing the standard of game in the region.

“Rugby is developing and is in its infancy stage in Kashmir. We feel that if we want to develop this game, so we have to play it in a professional manner, so that we can produce world-class players. We want to make players who can make their mark not only at the national level, but at international level. So, we invited a Rugby coach from the United States,” said Sarmad Hafeez, President, JKRA.

The American coach was impressed with the talent and response of the players in the coaching camp.

“Some players really have very good talent. There is a lot of potential here for the game. I am happy to play in Jammu and Kashmir,” said Bruce.

Rugby players were excited after receiving guidance from the foreign professional coach.

Confident players said that the tips and the techniques provided by Bruce would help in polishing their talent.

“We were facing lot of problems as there was no arrangement for proper coaching and training. Now, we are getting training from a foreign coach. We feel that this training is very good for our future,” said Salem, a Rugby player.

The popularity graph of Rugby has increased immensely among Kashmiri boys and girls during last few years.(ANI)