'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The Jungle Crows Foundation, through its unique open-for-all sport-for-development approach, has supported many children from disadvantaged communities over the years to express themselves through the medium of sports and reach their full potential. This interview series is an attempt to bring out the stories of several such young people associated with the Foundation, coming from diverse backgrounds, and develop a platform for further discussion and dialogue on the theme of sports.
In the latest of the series, Disha Musaddi speaks to two young professional rugby players cum Khelo Rugby coaches – Lovepreet Singh Gill and Debyendu (Deep) Das about the rich experiences and opportunities that have come their way.
Out of all the sports, why Rugby?
Lovepreet- I was a very restless and excited kid, and I always wanted to play a sport that involved fighting. Sometime in 2012, a friend of mine told me about rugby being played in Kolkata and the Winter Camp (organized annually by Jungle Crows Foundation). I went for the Camp and had a great time. That’s how I developed a passion for rugby.
Deep- I too wanted to play such sports and was training in boxing. During a boxing training session in Kidderpore, I saw a few boys, including the Royal Air Force team, playing rugby in the park. So, I approached one of the boys and took down the details to attend the practices. When I went for my first training, we had a simple routine and we played a game of touch rugby. I really enjoyed that day, and since then it has been rugby all the way.
What was your family’s reaction?
Lovepreet- My family didn’t have a weird reaction. They supported me; and when I told them about the game, they said that I should try and play hard, and attack the opponents.
Deep- For around 2 years my family didn’t know that I was playing rugby. My mother knew about boxing and was scared of the injuries caused. So, I would lie at home initially about it. Just before the India Camp last year, I told them about rugby, and their response was normal; my father just told me that in case of any injury, I should inform him first and try to recover fast.
What do you enjoy the most about playing rugby?
Lovepreet- It’s very different from other sports I have seen. In rugby we play as a team, so there’s team communication. Plus, I can actually fight.
Deep- What I like is very different – the number of people I have managed to tackle in a game. At the end of the day, what I enjoy the most is how many people have been attacked and when people tell me that I managed to send two or three people out during the match.
Which position do you prefer playing?
Lovepreet- I normally play hooker or flanker (position number 2 and 6/7, respectively), but I wish to play outside centers, that’s position number 13, because my favourite player plays centre. This season, I got to play centre, but not during the slightly tougher games though.
Deep- I play lock, flanker or I’m the eight man (position number 4/5, 6/7 and 8, respectively). But, my favourite is winger that is number 11 or 14, because when I went for a camp to Pune, the coach suggested I play winger, as it suits my body weight and height.
What kind of person are you on the field?
Lovepreet– I’d say I am aggressive.
Deep- Off field I am always joking. But, while playing I am more serious and focus on the game and attacking the opposition.
Lovepreet- I have to say this for Deep, he is a very different person on-field... he talks a lot when he’s not playing, but the moment the game is on, he’s calm and focussed.
Who are your rugby idols?
Deep- My idol would be Salien Tudu. I joined Jungle Crows through him; he has been our coach and we’ve played with him as well and he always encourages and inspires us to do better.
Lovepreet – Same here. Though I haven’t learned rugby from him, but through Rugby I have learnt a lot from him, like how to survive the life, how to become a better person, how to change from one point to another...
Among the international players, my favourite is Manu Tuilagi. I personally feel he’s the best player because he’s fast and strong.
Deep- Sonny Williams and Ma’a Nonu are my favourites. Williams is the God of Rugby, but I think his side steps are the best. And, as for Ma’a Nonu, he’s got a good built, and he’s a brilliant forward player and attacks extremely well.
On playing at the State level...
Lovepreet- Playing for West Bengal is in itself great and that too with boys from different clubs. So, we focus on playing well, because by doing so, our state will benefit, rugby will get promoted back home, and we might even get a government job.
Deep- We have played a number of games for West Bengal; it is always good to be recognized for playing for our State and winning medals for it. Kolkata has the oldest and the biggest rugby clubs, and throughout the year there are tournaments, so we get to play for our club often, but not Bengal.
Lovepreet- this year we went to play for the national Games at Kerala. We noticed that Bengal has very good and skilled players, and in 7s, West Bengal is undoubtedly the best, but as a team we miss out in few areas, mainly body weight, which is extremely important for rugby.
You both have been to different places to coach, how was your experience?
Lovepreet- In October 2014, I got an opportunity to coach in Siliguri. I was a little nervous about it, because it’s a new place, then the language would be different and the village is near a jungle with wild animals coming in. But, this was something new for me and I agreed to take up this challenge!
While coaching, I noticed that everyone would turn up before time and would generally listen to each and every thing through my sessions, which was impressive. As a teacher... coach, I think it’s always great to know that the children are enthusiastic and interested in what is being taught and even in learning new things. This encouraged me to teach them more things like English, computer and different sports...
One of the most interesting things I came across in Siliguri is the participation of the girls in rugby, which was much more than in any other town/city. Somehow, there was never this concept that girls can’t play with boys, unlike many communities I had earlier coached. The senior girls’ team in Siliguri is probably one of the best in India and were placed runners-up in the All India tournament in 2014.
We even organized a winter camp in December, where 400 children participated, and many, including the young leaders and coaches, told me that it was the best camp... I was thrilled to hear this.
I have earned a lot of respect in Siliguri in the last few months. I am happy that now these children, who couldn’t leave their area (the tea gardens), have now managed to travel to other parts of India through rugby and have learned a lot. Few of my favourite moments of coaching and rugby are from Siliguri.
Deep- I am coaching in Bangalore! The Khelo program is relatively new in Bangalore and had just begun when I went. It was challenging, but in a very different way... firstly, we are in the outskirts of the city. Then, the boys and girls wouldn’t play together... there would be two separate teams. We had once organized a match where they both played together, but the school didn’t support it the next time; so did the parents. Gradually this approach has also been changing. We still have language difficulties, because very few know Hindi, so we have to learn Kannada. Another problem is that there are few good fields. The grounds are made up of red soil, so it’s not appropriate for playing; one can easily hurt him/herself.
The children are always excited and enthusiastic to play rugby and the teachers give them adequate time to play. In fact, even if they are unwell and can’t play, they make it a point to attend the training sessions.
We recently had the Royal Air Force Spitfires over in Bangalore for our event, and it turned out to be amazing. It has increased the participation of children, and now even the parents want to send in their children to us.
How has your relationship with Paul Walsh been like?
Deep- Initially I was scared of Paul Sir, but gradually I started knowing him. He has always been very encouraging, and would understand our problems. He wouldn’t directly come and ask us about our issues, but would send someone to speak with us. So, he’s like a father to me. Whenever we needed something, he would give it to us. There have been many such instances- earlier on I was doing fashion designing, and I wasn’t happy with my work, so when I told Sir about it, he told me about the Khelo program being started in Bangalore and asked if I would be interested. I took it up and have been living in Bangalore since then, and during tournaments and camps he calls me back to Kolkata.
Another such case was when Sir found out that I couldn’t go the gym in Bangalore as it was expensive, he paid my fees and got me enrolled for a year.
Lovepreet- It’s difficult to speak about our relationship. Paul Sir is like our father, friend and teacher. He’s very supportive. It’s very difficult for one to live in another country, just to develop rugby and the communities. This dedication of his is something we don’t see that often. He has made a new family in and through Crows. He’s a father, friend... it’s difficult to explain our bond.
And Lovepreet, what are your personal future plans?
Lovepreet- I always want to stay connected with Khelo Rugby and Jungle Crows and have this association with Rugby. Along with that, I want to do something with sports and/or fitness.
Deep- We want to do something through Rugby, like the RAF Spitfires, who work and play simultaneously and help our organization also.
You both have been the best of friends, what according to you is the other’s strength?
Lovepreet- Deep is a good at running, and of course, his tackle is also good!
Deep- For Lovepreet – other than his speed – I think he has a good presence of mind, which is essential for the game.
Which aspect do you think the other needs to work upon?
Lovepreet- An important aspect we both should work upon is our education.
Deep- And, food is our weakness. A common complaint is that we both eat a lot, and we end up finishing the food!
Lovepreet- Answering your question, I can say that Deep doesn’t apply brains while playing; and off the field he talks non-stop.
Deep- All I can think of is that he ends up speaking in Punjabi at times, which is difficult to understand.
In that case, who’s a better player?
Deep- Both are good, but Lovepreet is better, because using brains is very important.
Lovepreet- I have a good answer for this – I am good at 7s, and in case of 15s, Deep is better.
Deep- Yeah! So, in 7s, we need to make tough decisions, which Lovepreet does well. I have already said earlier that I love to attack, which can be easily done in case of 15s.
Lovepreet- Since one name is called for, I’d say it’s me.
What do you want to do for the future of Khelo Rugby and Jungle Crows?
Lovepreet- There’s a lot I would want to do for Khelo Rugby. Our motto is to not only to provide the children with a chance to play rugby, but to try improving their lives and helping them improve it. So, I believe that we should give in our 100%, because the kids learn from us, and they do follow us to an extent. I want to provide opportunities to the children or young boys and girls, in order to come out of their communities.
Rugby is not everything, I want there to be a Khelo school, where all the kids get a chance to study and learn more about rugby. This way, our kids can decide what they will want to pursue later on.
Deep- Studies are very important, and some children across the different communities don’t go to school. I told them that during school tournaments they will have an advantage and receive letters from their school, so this coerces them to at least not miss out on education.
I personally want to go to different places to play and train and take Jungle Crows and all these children along with me, because they made me who and what I am today.
