Sumitra Nayak (born 8 March 2000) is a female rugby player from Jajpur, Odisha, India.[1] She has won medals for India and played a crucial role in the country's bronze medal win in the 2019 Asian Women Championship by scoring a penalty kick in a closely-fought match against Singapore.[2]
 | |
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| Full name | Sumitra Nayak |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Born | 8 March 2000 Duburi, Jajpur district, Odisha, India |
| Education | Bachelor of Arts |
| Alma mater | KISS University |
| Years active | 2007~ |
| Sport | |
| Sport | Rugby |
| Coached by | Rudhrakesh Jana, Nasser Hussain |
Personal life and background edit
Nayak was born on 8 March 2000 in Duburi village of Odisha's Jajpur district. However, her mother was abused by her father decided to migrate to Bhubaneswar with her kids when they were very young. Nayak's father had once attempted to burn the family alive after confining them in their house. Her mother had to work in other people’s houses to raise her children.[1]
In Bhubaneswar, Nayak joined the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences ( K.I.S.S ) that provides free education and sports training to tribal children.[1] She is presently an undergraduate student at the institute.[3] Nayak started playing rugby at KISS in 2008 although her mother was reluctant to let her play.[1]
Nayak now teaches rugby to girls at KISS and in her village. She had also delivered a TEDTalk in Pune.[3]
Professional career edit
Nayak trained under coach Rudhrakesh Jena at KISS. Following her state-level debut in 2012, she participated in the under-13 Women's Rugby World Cup in 2014. She also participated at the National School Games and the National Championships. She was instrumental in India's bronze medal win at the 2016 Asian Girls Rugby Sevens (U-18) in Dubai. In 2018, she was appointed the skipper of India's under-18 rugby team.[4]
In June 2019, she played an important part in India's first ever international victory in 15s. Nayak kicked a penalty in the last moments of the game against Singapore, which helped India win the bronze medal at the Asia Rugby Women's Championship, apart from earning its first win in the 15s format.[2]
Nayak was part of the Indian senior team that won the silver medal in the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy in Jakarta in August 2019. She also led India's team at the Asia Rugby U-20 Women's Seven Series in Laos in the same month.[3]
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had congratulated Nayak on her selection to the Indian team for the Asia Rugby Unstoppable meet.[4]
References edit
- ^ a b c d "सुमित्रा नायक: रग्बी के लिए जिन्होंने मैदान और उसके बाहर संघर्ष किया". BBC News हिंदी (in Hindi). Retrieved 17 February 2021.
- ^ a b Sportstar, Team. "Asia Rugby Championships: India women claim first-ever test match victory". Sportstar. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
- ^ a b c "Meet Sumitra Nayak. Escaped Abuse To Lead India Rugby Team - SheThePeople TV". Retrieved 17 February 2021.
- ^ a b "Odisha CM Congratulates Rugby Player Sumitra Nayak For Selection In Indian Team". Odishabytes.