Kshitija relishes training under Friday ahead of Intl tourney

Mulund girl Kshitija Manglurkar is relishing the opportunity to train under Mike Friday, head coach of the USA men’s rugby 7s team. Friday has been in India consulting and training the 20 U-17 Indian girls at the Bombay Gymkhana since November 22.

The 20 girls are in the probables list for the Asian Qualifier for the Youth Olympic Games Rugby Sevens Championship to be held on November 29 and 30.

This tournament will serve as the qualifier for the 2018 Youth Olympic Games to be held in Argentina, from October 6 to 18. A total of 12 countries from across Asia will vie for top honours at the championships. India is clubbed with favourites Japan and Laos in Pool A. The top two teams will qualify for the quarter-finals and the ultimate champions will make the trip to Argentina.

The Mumbai Strikers player, Kshitija had travelled to Dubai last year around the same time to feature in the Asian U-18 Women’s Championship. She had then been accompanied by four more ex-students of St. Mary’s Convent, Mulund in Ruchi Shetty, Gargee Walekar, Krutuja Manglurkar and Shraddha Lawand. But this time she is the only one from Maharashtra to feature in the under-17 category probables list.

The Ruia College girl trained at Bombay Gymkhana along with 20 other probables under Friday.

“I am in Class 12 and sought special permission to be part of the camp and the Jr. College principal readily agreed. This is the only game I have been playing from the start and I want to do well,” Kshitija said.

“These few sessions under Friday have been a great learning experience. It will help me to develop as a better player in both defense and offense. I love tackling more so I got crucial tips from him,” she added.  

Coach Friday was satisfied with the girls who have been training with him. “The girls are all enthusiastic training and with lots of energy. They are taking a lot of pride to represent the country and are looking forward to the challenge ahead,” he said.

“The Indian girls are not biggest, they are small built, but they have a big heart and are courageous. They also have the self-confidence and self-belief and they will perform to their potential,” he asserted.