Nagpur district’s sports fraternity is celebrating a historic achievement as Vanshika Dodke, a Scheduled Tribe athlete from Dongartal village, Ramtek Taluka, has been selected for the Maharashtra State Sub-Junior (Under-15) Girls Rugby Team. She is the first girl from Nagpur district to represent the state in Sub-Junior Girls Contact Rugby.
Vanshika will compete at the Sub-Junior (Under-15) National Rugby 7s Championship on 16th–17th January 2026 at the Kalinga Sports Complex, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. The event is organised by the Indian Rugby Football Union (IRFU) in collaboration with the Odisha government and Rugby Association.
Overcoming Challenges
Coming from a family entirely dependent on agriculture, Vanshika faced financial constraints in pursuing competitive sports. Living near forest areas with frequent wildlife sightings added another layer of challenge, yet she trained consistently on uneven farmland with minimal facilities.
Her younger brother is also a Rugby player, and together, the family relied heavily on emotional support and community encouragement to continue their sporting ambitions.
Rising from a Rural Rugby Hub
Dongartal and surrounding villages, guided by Coach Ajay Sandhekar, have gradually become a grassroots Rugby talent hub, producing several players who now represent Maharashtra at national levels. Vanshika’s journey began in 2023 with the Ramtek team at a district-level championship. Under structured guidance from Coaches Amar Bhandarwar, Sunil Choudhary, and Nehal Dange, she honed her skills and game awareness, eventually earning a place in the state team.
Achievements and Support
Vanshika has previously represented her school at the SGFI Under-14 National Championship, winning a bronze medal, and contributed to a Gold Medal victory at the West Zone Khelo India Asmita Rugby League in Ajmer, Rajasthan.
Her progress has been supported by the Rugby Association of Nagpur, senior players mentoring her, and institutions such as Sai Electrotech, Taai Golwalkar College, and Dhanwate National College, Nagpur, which have helped ensure access to training and competitions.
An Inspiration for Rural Girls
Vanshika’s story is a testament to determination, community support, and guidance, showing that even under financial and infrastructural challenges, rural and tribal girls can achieve national recognition in sports. The Rugby Association of Nagpur congratulates her and wishes her the very best for the upcoming national championship.
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