Mahak Chauhan, a 20-year-old from the remote Bhadrasu village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, has stunned the rugby world with a dazzling debut at the Central and South Asia Rugby 7s Championship in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Originally training as a track athlete, a chance mix-up led her to rugby, where she quickly emerged as a standout player, scoring nine tries and earning the Women’s Player of the Tournament title at her first senior international event.
- Accidental rugby trial led Mahak from athletics to international rugby.
- Scored nine tries in debut senior international tournament in 2026.
- Helped India achieve a thrilling upset victory over tournament champions Sri Lanka.
What happened
Mahak Chauhan grew up in the serene and mountainous Bhadrasu village in Uttarkashi, known for its dense deodar forests and scenic Tons river. Like many youths from the region, she initially focused on track and field events, and after completing Class 8, she moved to Dehradun seeking better training and educational opportunities. However, what started as a plan to try out for a race in Roorkee in 2023 unexpectedly became a rugby trial. She chose to stay and try rugby, catching the attention of coaches despite having no prior experience.
Since then, she immersed herself in rugby sevens, a fast-paced version of rugby demanding speed, skill, and toughness. Mahak quickly climbed the ranks, from state-level competitions to India’s Under-20 team, earning a bronze medal at a championship in Malaysia. In 2026, she made her senior debut at the inaugural Central and South Asia Rugby 7s Championship in Uzbekistan, where she scored nine tries in two days and won Women’s Player of the Tournament honors. Her pivotal last-minute try led India to an unforgettable victory against Sri Lanka, the tournament champions.
Why it feels good
Mahak’s story is inspiring not only because of her talent but also due to the unexpected path she took. An accidental discovery of rugby turned into a passion and a career, showing the power of openness to new opportunities and resilience. Coming from a state where rugby has limited history and resources, her rise highlights the growing sporting ecosystem in Uttarakhand, driven by local coaches and supportive associations.
For many young athletes in remote areas, her journey offers hope and motivation that success can come from unlikely beginnings and that hard work combined with the right encouragement can open doors to the international stage. Mahak’s achievement enriches the narrative of Indian women’s sports, proving that emerging talents from grassroots backgrounds can shine globally and make their communities proud.
What to enjoy or watch next
As Mahak Chauhan continues her rugby career, fans can look forward to following her journey in upcoming national and international tournaments where India’s women’s rugby team is gaining strength and recognition. The sport’s growth in regions like Uttarakhand also promises to uncover more hidden talents, expanding the reach of rugby across India.
This rising momentum around rugby sevens at the grassroots level suggests a promising future for the sport in South Asia. Keep an eye on the development programs led by local coaches and rugby associations, as they aim to provide more opportunities and training for young athletes like Mahak, who could become the new faces of Indian rugby on the global map.