Hyderabad Heroes are leading the GMR Rugby Premier League (RPL) with six wins in seven matches, becoming the first team to qualify for the playoffs. While international stars have played a key role, Indian players like forward Sambit Pradhan have also emerged as crucial contributors to the team’s success. Sambit Pradhan’s inspiring journey from a village in Odisha to the top level of Indian rugby showcases his resilience and passion for the sport.
A native of Adaspur village in Cuttack district, Odisha, Sambit Pradhan was introduced to rugby during his college years in Bhubaneswar. Initially uninterested, he joined just for the experience of playing in a stadium—but soon found his passion. After playing senior nationals for Odisha, he began to take rugby seriously, especially after his appearance in the 2015 Senior Nationals in Bihar. However, his career faced a setback in 2019 when he broke his hand during a tournament in Amritsar. Forced out of the sport for three years, he underwent surgery and took a part-time job teaching sports at a school while focusing on his recovery. In 2022, he made a comeback with Bhubaneswar Rugby Club and eventually earned a place in Hyderabad Heroes. Sambit credits foreign players in the RPL for helping Indian teammates improve their mental strength and technical discipline. He believes the league will produce many new Indian stars in the coming years.
From humble beginnings to elite competition, Sambit Pradhan’s journey is a testament to perseverance. As Hyderabad Heroes eye the RPL title, Sambit stands as a symbol of how Indian talent can rise with the right platform and mindset. His story inspires a new generation of rugby players in India.
