By C.M. Paul
Saraswatipur Tea Garden, August 9, 2026: For girls growing up in a tea garden where opportunities are often limited, a rugby field has become a place to find confidence, recognition and a voice.
The Jungle Crows girls’ rugby team from Saraswatipur near Siliguri marked International Indigenous People’s Day, August 8-9, with a tournament that brought together 15 tribal teams from Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal.
The tournament, held on August 8, was attended by former faculty of Salesian College Siliguri Father Mathew George who initiated development opportunity for tribal girls and other international rugby enthusiasts from England and France.
The Saraswatipur Division village team emerged winners.
“Rugby has given us confidence and a voice,” says a Jungle Crows player. “Today we play not just for victory, but to show the strength of indigenous youth.”
The tournament was organized by Paul Walsh of England, founder of Jungle Crows Rugby in Kolkata. His “Khelo Rugby” initiative introduced the sport to tea garden communities, beginning with a small group of children.
Rugby was introduced in Saraswatipur in 2012. Since then, several players from the village have represented India and played in international competitions.
Father George played a key role in bringing rugby to the tea garden. S
eeing children with few constructive activities while their parents worked, he supported the introduction of the sport. His involvement also helped overcome parental resistance to girls taking up rugby.
The programme linked sport with education, leadership and community development, while giving young girls an opportunity to challenge social barriers.
Among those present were Ayers Matthew David of the New Zealand High Commission in India, Paul Walsh from England and Enguerrand D’Ales, a volunteer with Howrah South Point from France.
The celebrations continued on August 9, when the Saraswatipur community marked International Indigenous People’s Day with a 3-hour cultural programme.
For the young rugby players, however, the celebration had already begun on the field — where sport has become a way of affirming identity, solidarity and the aspirations of indigenous youth.
(Photo supplied)