In a remarkable story of determination, sacrifice, and perseverance, Parbati Hansdah, a young woman from Bhurudubani village near Baripada in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, has risen from a modest agricultural family to become the Captain of the Indian Senior Women’s Rugby Team. Her journey reflects not only personal success but also symbolizes hope for tribal and rural girls aspiring to break barriers through sports.

Born into a humble family, Parbati is the daughter of Dasarathi Hansdah, a farmer, and Sukanti Hansdah, a homemaker. Growing up among six siblings, she experienced the realities of rural life early. Her educational journey started at Mohinigarh Primary School, continued at Ranibhol Government High School, and later at Rinkunraj Higher Secondary School, Karanjia.

Early Inspiration: From Football Fields to Rugby Grounds

Parbati’s sporting journey began with football. Her father, once a football player himself, often took her to the playground. However, her life changed when coach Dibya Ranjan Das introduced rugby at her school. The uniqueness and intensity of rugby fascinated her. Yet, convincing her family was difficult.

Like many rural families, her parents feared the physical nature of the sport and worried about societal perceptions surrounding girls participating in contact sports. It was only after persistent encouragement and assurance from coach Dibya Ranjan Das, coach Rupali Soren, and advisor Mangal Hansdah that her family supported her dream.

Parbati first represented Odisha in an Under-14 Inter-State Rugby Tournament in Hyderabad in 2018, marking the beginning of a promising career.

Rising Through National and International Rugby

Her achievements steadily accumulated over the years. Among her major milestones are:

• Gold Medal – 36th National Games, Gujarat (2022)
• Silver Medal – Asian Rugby U-20 7s Championship, Uzbekistan (2022)
• Silver Medal – Asian Rugby U-18 7s Championship, Nepal (2022)
• Gold Medal – 37th National Games, Goa (2023)
• Gold Medal – 38th National Games, Uttarakhand (2025)
• Gold Medal – Senior National Rugby 7s Championship (2026)
• Runner up -All odisha Jr Rugby Football Tournament Bhubaneswar (2021)
• Runner up- Junior National Rugby Sevens Championship KIIT Bhubaneswar (2021)
• 3rd- All odisha Jr Rugby Football Tournament  Bhubaneswar  (2022)
• Runner Up- Jr National Rugby Sevens Championship  Patna Bihar (2022)
• Runner up-All Odisha Jr Rugby Football Tournament KISS Bhubaneswar (2023)
• Runner up-All Odisha Sr Rugby Football Tournament KISS Bhubaneswar (2023)
• Champion – Sr National Rugby SevenS Championship Pune Maharashtra (2023)
• Silver Medal – Jr  Sr National Rugby SevenS Championship Patna Bihar (2025)
• Champion- Sr National Rugby SevenS Championship Rajgir Bihar (2026)
• 4th – CASA Rugby 7s Championship Uzbekistan (2026)

One of her proudest moments came during the 37th National Games in Goa, where she helped Odisha secure victory in a dramatic final against Bihar during extra time.

Overcoming Challenges

Parbati’s journey was not without setbacks. Financial hardship marked her early years. She also endured criticism from villagers over sports attire and faced social barriers common to girls pursuing athletics in conservative communities.

In 2024, a severe collarbone injury nearly ended her career. At one point, she considered quitting rugby entirely. However, with support from her coach and treatment from Odisha’s Sports Science Centre, she returned stronger.

Balancing education and sports demanded extraordinary discipline. Spending months in training camps meant compressing an academic year into limited study periods. Yet, Parbati persisted.

The Making of a Leader

Parbati believes leadership is built on discipline, communication, bonding, punctuality, talent, and passion. Ironically, she once failed a national selection due to weak communication skills. Instead of giving up, she worked hard to improve her Hindi and English, transforming weakness into strength.

Today, at just 20 years of age, she leads the Indian Women’s Rugby Team — a responsibility she describes as a mix of shock, happiness, pressure, and pride.

Future Dreams: Olympics and Beyond

Parbati dreams not only of personal success but of seeing India qualify for the Olympics in rugby, with herself contributing as a player or mentor. She hopes to inspire young girls, particularly from tribal and rural communities, proving that determination and hard work can transform lives.

Outside the field, she remains simple and hardworking, finding inspiration in books and motivational literature. Success, according to her, means supporting her family and uplifting others.

A Coach’s Faith

Her long-time mentor Dibya Ranjan Das describes Parbati as mentally strong, naturally inclined toward leadership, and capable of one day representing India at the Olympics.

More Than a Captain

Parbati Hansdah’s story is more than a sporting achievement. It is a story of changing mindsets, challenging social norms, and proving that talent from remote villages can reach global stages.

From the fields of Mayurbhanj to carrying the Indian flag as captain, Parbati Hansdah stands today as a powerful symbol of resilience and inspiration for a new generation.