Who is Anshu Kumari? This Bihari Girl Will Lead the Indian Rugby Team in China

Sept 09, 2025: Anshu Kumari, a resident of Nirmali Panchayat in Pipra block of Supaul, has once again made her district and state proud. The Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced the Indian team for the Asia Rugby Emirates Under-18 Rugby 7s Championship 2025. In this, Anshu has been named captain of the girls’ team. The tournament will take place in Hohhot city of China on 13-14 September.

Anshu’s Journey

Anshu’s success has created great excitement in Supaul, and local people are congratulating her. She has made her name from district level to the international stage in just two years of hard work. Recently, she returned from an international match in Thailand. She also played a key role in helping India win a bronze medal in the Asian Rugby Championship held in Rajgir.

Practice in Kolkata and Team Selection

District Rugby Union President Shandanand Jha said that Anshu is now practicing at the National Camp in Kolkata. She has already played for India in many foreign tournaments, which shows her talent and dedication.

"Anshu is practicing at the National Camp in Kolkata. She recently came back from Thailand after playing a match. She also won a bronze medal for India in the Asian Rugby Championship held in Rajgir last month," said Shandanand Jha, President of District Rugby Union.

The team was chosen after a national coaching camp that started on August 1 at the Netaji Subhash Eastern Center of Sports Authority of India in Kolkata. In this camp, players were tested for skill, fitness, and teamwork. The Khelo India Youth Games 2025 in Bihar and the Junior National Championship 2025 in Dehradun also helped in selection. IRFU President Rahul Bose said that such domestic tournaments give chances to young athletes and build the future of rugby.

India’s women’s team is in Pool-D with tough teams like Malaysia, Japan, and Uzbekistan.

Team, Family Joy, and Captain’s Words

The team will be led by captain Anshu Kumari and vice-captain Muskan Piploda (Rajasthan). Other members are Aarti Kumari, Alpana Kumari, Mamali Singh, Anita Murmu, Sushila, Anushka, Samridhi, Raimani Murmu, Vijayshree Rathore, and Saloni Kumari. Many of them will play at the international level for the first time.

Anshu’s father, Pawan Sah, said he is proud of his daughter. “The district is full of joy, and the younger generation is learning that hard work can achieve anything,” he said. Preparations are also going on to honour Anshu at the district level.

Captain Anshu Kumari said that leading the team is like a dream come true. “The team is full of confidence, and we will try to bring glory to India by playing well against Asia’s best teams,” she said. Coach Kiano Fourie is guiding the team.

This championship will be an important milestone for Indian rugby. Young players from states like Bihar are taking the game to new heights. The IRFU has wished the team the best of luck and hopes they will return with medals.

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