In a history-defining moment for the sport of rugby in India, the women’s team picked up their first win in an international 15s match against Singapore. With the victory, India finished in the third spot in the Asian Championships Division 1.
The Indian women’s team played its first 15s match in a tri-nation tournament in June 2018 in Singapore. Then, they had lost both their matches but showed lots of intent and promise.
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Against Singapore this time, India eked out the contest 21-19. The match was headed towards a draw before scrum-half Sumitra Nayak kicked the penalty in the dying minutes of the game. Singapore had three minutes to equalize but India held on to their nerves to pick up the win.
The power of rugby! This is worth seeing again @rugbyindia women have recorded their first 15s victory at international level @brettgosper @rahulbose1 pic.twitter.com/Amw70O7oVk
— Asia Rugby (@asiarugby) June 22, 2019
India took the lead in the opening minutes of the game after Sweety Kumari scored two first-half tries. India held on to the lead before Singapore’s Annabel Woo Xui Ni snatched the lead from them momentarily.
Sweety’s penalty kick moments before the final whistle turned the tide as India emerged winners. The victory garnered attention from Asia and the World. While women’s rugby is still in the developmental stages, the win against Singapore can be a watershed moment in the growth of the game.
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