India’s rising rugby stars gear up for GMR Premier League debut in Mumbai

The GMR Rugby Premier League, launching in Mumbai on June 15, will spotlight India’s top rugby talent, including national stars like Mohit Khatri and Prince Khatri. The league aims to elevate Indian rugby’s profile through high-level domestic and international exposure.

Hyderabad: The GMR Rugby Premier League, which kicks off in Mumbai on June 15, with the final scheduled on June 29, presents India’s most talented rugby players a chance to rub shoulders with some of the legends in the sport.

Here are the profiles of some of India’s potential stars in the League.

Mohit Khatri – Bengaluru Bravehearts

The most expensive player at the GMR RPL Season 1 Player Auction, Mohit is one of India’s best players in rugby, and was appointed as captain of the national team in 2024. Hailing from Kundli in Sonipat district of Haryana, he has captained the men’s team at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy (ARST) 2024 held in Nepal and helped Haryana’s rugby team win three gold medals at the National Games. He was also part of the Indian team who went through Olympic qualifiers in Japan in 2023.

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Prince Khatri – Hyderabad Heroes

Among the most experienced Indian rugby players in the GMR RPL, Prince Khatri made his national team debut in 2012. He’s been a part of the Indian team for the Asia Rugby Sevens starting from 2014 for a total of eight times and the Asia Rugby 15s Championship for a total of eight times starting in 2012.

A former India captain as well, Prince has plied his trade at an international level including the Delhi Hurricanes, South African Club All-Stars, Hong Kong Scottish Club and Team India FCC from 2013 until very recently in 2024 at the Borneo 7s Malaysia (Delhi Hurricanes). That apart Prince has been a part of the Haryana team that has won 4 consecutive gold medals at the National Games, and is also an eight-time Senior National Rugby Sevens Champion with Haryana.

Ganesh Majhi – Mumbai Dreamers

Captain of the India U20 rugby team in 2023, Ganesh Majhi hails from the Bonda tribe in Malkangiri, Odisha, and his selection is a source of pride for the tribal community. Ganesh’s selection for the GMR RPL was considered a historic moment for Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences, who have been supporting the sport for close to two decades now. After making a mark in the age-group teams, Ganesh has successfully transitioned to the senior team set-up as well, and will be turning out for the Mumbai Dreamers in Season 1 of the GMR RPL.

Asis Sabar – Kalinga Black Tigers

Much like Ganesh, one of Odisha’s best rugby players is Asis Sabar, who will be representing his home franchise – Kalinga Black Tigers. Born in 2004, Asis also hails from Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences. Asis Sabar, a UG 2nd year Arts student from the Sabar tribe (Kalahandi), was secured by the Kalinga Black Tigers at the player Auction.

Deepak Punia – Delhi Redz

One of the mainstays of the Indian rugby sevens team, Deepak Punia, who hails from Haryana started playing the sport from the age of 15. In his years of development, Deepak has played in countries like Hongkong, Thailand, and Qatar.