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The Bengaluru Bravehearts won their first Rugby Premier League match. Man of the Match Mohit Khatri praised team morale and foreign players’ influence.
Mohit Khatri (R) wants more Indian participation in Rugby. (RPL)
After drawing their inaugural match in the Rugby Premier League (RPL) on Sunday, the Bengaluru Bravehearts rebounded spectacularly with a dominant 35-10 victory over the Kalinga Black Tigers, marking their first win in the tournament.
Mohit Khatri, named Man of the Match and one of India’s finest players, shared insights into the team’s morale, his experience competing against his brothers, and the significant impact the RPL is expected to have on Indian rugby.
“The first match was a draw but we are happy with the win in our second match. Hopefully, the winning cycle will continue. Let’s see what happens in the upcoming matches, but the energy is great, and the team is coming together,” Mohit said post-victory.
The RPL, a pioneering franchise-based rugby league, has brought top global stars together as teammates. Mohit, a veteran Indian international, finds immense value in playing alongside foreign professionals.
“It’s been a really good experience. I’ve learnt a lot from the foreign players in such a short time, there’s so much I can’t even express in words. We are slowly beginning to understand what it means to play at world standards. Every match, every interaction, it’s raising our level,” he said.
“The foreign players are incredibly down to earth. Whenever we approach them for advice, they respond, guide, encourage and even celebrate our small victories. The whole environment is very positive and supportive,” he added.
Mohit isn’t the only Khatri in the RPL, as his brothers Prince and Neeraj are also competing for the Hyderabad Heroes and the Mumbai Dreamers, respectively. The brothers began their rugby journey together in Haryana, inspired by their eldest brother and former Indian rugby captain, Vikas Khatri.
“We used to play sports like football and cricket when we were kids. One day, my elder brother Vikas told us to try something new and introduced us to rugby,” he recalled.
“We’ve always played together but now, we’re playing against each other, it is like exam time. Let’s see how well I’ve learnt from them over the years,” he added.
In its debut season, the RPL has included a maximum of 30 Indian players in the league. Mohit believes that with the league’s growing popularity, this number will significantly increase in the future.
“A lot of Indian players have reached out to me. The sport is still growing but this league will change that. As RPL’s name spreads, more kids will get inspired. Next year, maybe there’ll be 50 or 60 Indian players. We’ll work hard to increase that number.”
Lastly, Mohit extended an invitation to the public, saying, “If there are any kids in your neighbourhood or if there is anyone who is interested in playing a new game, our game is most welcome for all of you. Come and play our game, watch our league, and support us as much as possible.”
The first game on Tuesday will see the Delhi Redz take on the Chennai Bulls. Delhi Redz is coming off a draw in their opening match, facing a Chennai Bulls side that has won two consecutive games.
Game 2 will feature the Hyderabad Heroes against the Bengaluru Bravehearts. The Hyderabad Heroes will aim to build on their opening day win, but they face a formidable opponent in the Bengaluru Bravehearts, who have recorded a draw and a win so far.
With IANS Inputs
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