image credits: x.com/@KVSinghDeo1
The Kalinga Black Tigers have emerged as Odisha’s representatives in the inaugural Rugby Premier League (RPL), set to commence on June 15, 2025, at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex. Backed by Hunch Ventures, this franchise embodies Odisha’s rich heritage and sporting ambition, symbolized by its jersey and mascot, unveiled at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The team, blending global rugby stars with local talent, marks a significant step in elevating Odisha’s presence in national sports..
What is the Rugby Premier League?
The Rugby Premier League (RPL), launching in 2025, is India’s first franchise-based rugby sevens tournament, organized by Rugby India and GMR Sports. Held from June 15 at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex, it features six teams, including the Kalinga Black Tigers, competing in 34 matches. Each match, lasting 22 minutes with four quarters, offers a fast-paced format designed to captivate audiences. The RPL aims to blend international expertise with Indian talent. For Odisha, this league is a platform to showcase its sporting prowess, building on its history of hosting events like the 2022 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup at Kalinga Stadium. With live streaming on JioHotstar, the RPL ensures global visibility, positioning the Kalinga Black Tigers as ambassadors of Odisha’s sporting spirit.
Why Does Odisha’s Participation Matter?
Odisha’s inclusion in the RPL is a testament to its growing reputation as a sports hub. The state has nurtured rugby at the grassroots level, with institutions like the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) producing national and international players. The Kalinga Black Tigers’ participation elevates this legacy, offering local athletes a chance to compete alongside global stars. Deputy Chief Minister K.V. Singh Deo, who unveiled the team’s jersey, emphasized Odisha’s commitment to sports development, noting its potential to inspire youth.
What Does the Kalinga Black Tigers’ Jersey Symbolize?
The Kalinga Black Tigers’ jersey, unveiled on June 7, 2025, at Kalinga Stadium, draws inspiration from Odisha’s rare melanistic black tigers, symbolizing strength and resilience. The jersey’s bold aesthetic aligns with the team’s dynamic ethos, capturing the spirit of a state known for its cultural and sporting vibrancy. Rahul Bose, President of Rugby India, praised Odisha’s contribution to Indian rugby. The unveiling was attended by dignitaries like Priyadarshi Mishra of the Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA).
Who is the Paika Mascot?
The team’s mascot, “Paika,” pays homage to the legendary Kalinga warriors. Introduced alongside the jersey, Paika symbolizes the fighting spirit that the Kalinga Black Tigers bring to the RPL. Karanpal Singh, co-owner and Hunch Ventures founder, highlighted Paika’s role in celebrating Odisha’s identity, making the team a beacon of regional pride..
Who Are the Kalinga Black Tigers’ Star Players?
The Kalinga Black Tigers boast a formidable roster, combining international rugby sevens stars with Odisha’s emerging talents. Led by coach Mike Friday, a former England Sevens coach with 10 titles, the team includes global players like South Africa’s Rosko Specman, USA’s Perry Baker, and Ireland’s Harry McNulty, the team captain. Local talents, such as KISS students Asis Sabar and Ganesh Dhangada Majhi, secured through the RPL auction, represent Odisha’s grassroots strength. Friday praised players like Arjun Mahato, noting their potential to shine alongside international stars.
How Does the Team Support Odisha’s Rugby Talent?
The Kalinga Black Tigers are a platform for Odisha’s rugby talent to gain national exposure. With nearly half of India’s women’s national team hailing from Odisha, including silver medalists at the 2021 Asia Sevens. The team’s inclusion of local players like Asis Sabar and Ganesh Dhangada Majhi, supported by Hunch Ventures, shows its commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. Friday’s coaching emphasizes learning from international players, offering Odia athletes a chance to grow.
What is Odisha’s Rugby History?
Odisha has long been a powerhouse in Indian rugby, with institutions like KISS producing over 5,000 athletes who have competed nationally and internationally. The state’s women’s team secured a silver medal at the 2021 Asia Sevens, and KISS’s rugby program has been featured in films like Jungle Cry, which premiered at Cannes in 2019. The Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), operating from Kalinga and KIIT Stadiums, has fostered talent across districts.
FAQs
- What is the Kalinga Black Tigers Rugby team?
The Kalinga Black Tigers are Odisha’s franchise in the Rugby Premier League, representing the state’s pride with a mix of international and local players, backed by Hunch Ventures. - Who coaches the Kalinga Black Tigers in the RPL?
Mike Friday, a renowned coach with 10 England Sevens titles, leads the Kalinga Black Tigers, guiding them in the Rugby Premier League India 2025. - What does the Kalinga Black Tigers’ jersey symbolize?
The jersey, inspired by Odisha’s melanistic black tigers, symbolizes strength and resilience, reflecting the state’s heritage in the Rugby Premier League. - When does the Rugby Premier League 2025 start?
The RPL, featuring the Kalinga Black Tigers, begins on June 15, 2025, culminating in a grand final at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex.
