In a commendable feat, Beed’s boys’ rugby team clinched the runner-up position in the state-level tournament organized by the Maharashtra Rugby Association in collaboration with the Pune Rugby Association at Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
Facing stiff competition from 24 teams across the state, Beed’s under-19 boys displayed remarkable prowess. They dominated the matches, defeating Amravati 41-0 in the first round and securing a resounding 69-0 victory against Sangli in the second match. Progressing to the semi-final, Beed triumphed over Satara with a scoreline of 17-0.
In a thrilling semi-final clash, Beed outplayed Mumbai, the previous year’s runners-up, with a score of 19-12. However, in the ultimate showdown against Kolhapur in the final, despite a valiant effort, Beed succumbed to a narrow defeat, settling for a well-deserved silver medal.
The coaching trio of Nitin Yelve, Shoaib Khatik, and Ashok Chaure played a pivotal role in the team’s excellent performance. The Beed District Rugby Association’s leadership, including President Isaac Sheikh, Treasurer Haribhau Bangar, Vice President Ramesh Sanap, Secretary Mahesh Ghule, Working President Nitin Yelve, alongside all office bearers of Beed District Rugby Association and Morya Sports Club Beed, joined sports enthusiasts in congratulating the runner-up team.
While celebrating rugby achievements, some argue that focusing on highly competitive sports in schools may inadvertently sideline the importance of other physical activities for a more well-rounded approach to fitness.
