Rahul Bose Reveals His Dream Of Seeing Children Play Rugby Across India

Actor and rugby player advocates for grassroots development of the sport among Indian youth

By Cynthia Jean Daniel Cynthia Jean Daniel linkedin_icon

In a recent Instagram video, actor and former Indian rugby player Rahul Bose revealed his heartfelt dream for the sport in India. “The dream is to drive by a village and to see kids playing with this oddly-shaped ball,” Bose stated in a short video clip where he appears to be speaking about his vision for rugby’s future in the country.

Passion For Rugby Development

The acclaimed actor, who has represented India in rugby for over a decade, has long been an advocate for growing the sport at the grassroots level. His recent statement underscores his continued commitment to seeing rugby flourish among younger generations across India.

The Instagram post, shared with hashtags including #rugbyindia and #rugbypremierleague, hints at Bose’s involvement with efforts to popularize the sport beyond its current niche status in the country.

Rugby Career And Advocacy

Many might know Rahul Bose primarily for his acting career, but his connection to rugby runs deep. Bose played for India’s national rugby team from 1998 to 2008, representing the country in international tournaments. His dual identity as both an actor and athlete has given him a unique platform to advocate for sports development in India.

Bose has been actively promoting rugby through various initiatives over the years. He has leveraged his celebrity status to bring attention to the sport, which remains less popular in India compared to cricket and football.

Recent Rugby Initiatives

The timing of Bose’s statement coincides with increased activity around rugby in India. Just recently, Bose participated in a “Sundays On Cycle X Rugby” event held at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in Delhi. The event combined cycling for fitness with rugby demonstrations, bringing together sports enthusiasts from different backgrounds.

According to related Instagram posts, Bose joined with Rugby India to showcase the sport during the event, which was part of a larger fitness initiative that also included the participation of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

Rugby Premier League

Bose’s mention of the Rugby Premier League in his hashtags points to emerging professional structures for the sport in India. Recent related posts suggest that a new SVNS league might be key to promoting rugby on a global scale, with India potentially playing a significant role in this development.

One related post asked, “Could India’s New SVNS league be the Key to promoting Rugby to the World?” indicating growing ambitions for the sport’s development in the country.

Another post with the tagline “It’s in our veins. Stay tuned!” and using the hashtag #RugRugMeinRugby suggests an upcoming announcement or initiative related to rugby development in India.

Beyond The Field

Outside of his rugby advocacy, Bose has recently been featured in several sustainability-focused campaigns. He was the cover star for Travel + Leisure India’s Earth Day special, promoting eco-conscious fashion through Louis Philippe’s Green Crest collection.

In these features, Bose discussed his commitment to sustainable living and mindful travel choices, demonstrating how his advocacy extends beyond sports into environmental issues as well.

The Future Of Rugby In India

Through his continued advocacy, Bose seems determined to create pathways for children across India to experience rugby. His vision aligns with global trends in sports development, which emphasize early exposure and grassroots programs as essential for building both recreational participation and elite pathways.

As rugby continues to grow globally, with inclusion in the Olympics and expanding professional leagues, Bose’s dream of seeing Indian children playing rugby could help position the country to participate more prominently in the sport’s future.

For now, Bose continues to use his platform to promote the sport he loves, hoping to inspire a new generation of rugby players across India who might one day represent their country as he once did.

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Rahul Bose was awarded the Best Actor Award at the 2005 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles for his role in 'Mr. and Mrs. Iyer.'
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Cynthia Jean Daniel
Cynthia Jean DanielAssociate videos director
Cynthia Jean Daniel has worked across fashion, content, and video production, combining design, storytelling, and media. She has directed over 1,500 influencer videos and worked on digital campaigns, brand promotions, and runway shows.

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