KISS Students Mr. Asis Sabar and Mr. Ganesh Dhangada Majhi Selected for Rugby Premier League (RPL) of India.
In a proud and historic moment for Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), two of its exceptionally talented students, Mr. Asis Sabar and Mr. Ganesh Dhangada Majhi, have been selected to participate in the inaugural edition of the Rugby Premier League (RPL) of India.
Mr. Asis Sabar, a UG 2nd year Arts student from the Sabar tribe (Kalahandi), was secured by the Kalinga Black Tigers for a remarkable price of ₹1.50 Lakhs. Meanwhile, Mr. Ganesh Dhangada Majhi, UG 3rd Year Arts from the Bonda tribe (Malkangiri), has been picked by the Mumbai Dreamers for ₹0.50 Lakhs. Their selection marks a significant milestone not only for themselves but also for the entire tribal community they represent.
Rugby has long been one of the most favored and natural sports for tribal youth, thanks to their innate agility, strength, and passion. Recognizing this potential early on, Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, began sponsoring rugby at KISS in 2006, nurturing the sport among thousands of tribal students. His visionary support has turned rugby into one of the prominent sports in India today, and special credit goes to him for this incredible transformation.
KISS has emerged as a powerhouse in Indian rugby, having produced over 100 international rugby players — a number that more than even the international hockey players produced in Odisha. Moreover, KIIT is the only university in India that has sponsored the National Rugby Championship three times, underscoring its commitment to the sport and athlete development.
The Rugby Premier League, a first-of-its-kind franchise-based Rugby 7s league in the world, is being launched by Rugby India in collaboration with GMR Sports. The much-anticipated tournament will be held at the Andheri Sports Complex (Mumbai Football Arena) from June 1 to June 15, 2025.
The RPL franchises include:
- Bengaluru Bravehearts
- Chennai Bulls
- Delhi Redz
- Hyderabad Heroes
- Kalinga Black Tigers
- Mumbai Dreamers
Adding to Odisha’s proud representation, two other rising rugby stars—Sambit Pradhan (Hyderabad Heroes, ₹0.50 Lakhs) and Shanawaz Ahmed (Chennai Bulls, ₹0.80 Lakhs)—have also been selected.
The RPL will also feature 30 marquee international players from rugby powerhouses such as Argentina, South Africa, Kenya, Great Britain, New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Fiji, USA, and Ireland, offering a world-class experience for Indian players and fans alike.
Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievements, commending their unwavering discipline, dedication, and determination. “They are shining examples of what can be achieved with the right blend of opportunity, hard work, and courage,” he said.
Mr. Upendra Kumar Mohanty, Hon. General Secretary of the Odisha Rugby Football Association (ORFA), also congratulated the players, extending heartfelt wishes for their continued success on and off the field.
In a heartfelt message, Mr. Asis Sabar and Mr. Ganesh Dhangada Majhi expressed deep gratitude to Prof. Achyuta Samanta for his constant support and visionary leadership. “Sir’s guidance and belief in us have been our strongest motivation. This opportunity is not just a personal milestone but a dream come true for our communities,” they shared.
Their journey is a powerful testament to the spirit of resilience and inspiration — proving that with the right support and unwavering belief, dreams can indeed be transformed into reality.