PANJIM: Goa Rugby officially unveiled the trophy and layout of the Rugby village conceptualised for India’s first ever unique rugby tournament named BanquetSPORTS Christmas Touch Rugby Championships 2014, at Hotel Mandovi, here on Thursday.
Development Officer Peter Fernandes announced that 60 teams and 600 players, girls and boys will be participating in the tournament with representation from Goa, India and Rest of the World in the under-13, under-17, under-19 and open categories.
“This will be India’s biggest ever rugby tournament in terms of participation and viewership. We already have over a 100 volunteers which include certified referees to oversee proceedings for the tournament”, added Fernandes.
Anish Quenim was felicitated by his coaches Belinda Trotter, David Trotter and Isikeli Rasoqosoqo for winning the silver medal at the Middle East International Touch Rugby Championships, in Abu Dhabi last month.
These coaches have also been instrumental for creating this talent pool of 600 first team girls and boys.
Anish represented India on the World scene at these games by playing for a squad in the UAE and won the country its first international Touch Rugby medal.
The month long trophy tour officially came to an end and the BanquetSPORTS Christmas Touch Rugby Championships 2014 Trophy was handed over by V M Prabhudessai to the Goa Rugby Panel.
The UAE Touch JL Social Media Cup was also handed over to the panel by Goa Rugby vice-president Rabiya Muzaver.
Anish Quenim brought proceedings to a close and invited all sports lovers and enthusiasts to be part of the event on December 21 by stressing on the vision phrase “Goa Amche” which means if we have to make rugby a success, we must consider it ours together and support it as one family.
