In an inspiring story of determination and talent, 20-year-old Mahak Chauhan from Bhadrasu village in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, has emerged as one of India’s newest sporting sensations after a stellar performance at the Central and South Asia (CASA) Rugby 7s Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. What makes her journey extraordinary is that she discovered rugby almost by accident just three years ago.
Mahak’s introduction to the sport was far from conventional. Originally a track-and-field athlete, she reportedly arrived at a trial in Roorkee believing it was for athletics. Instead, it turned out to be a rugby selection camp organized by the Uttarakhand Rugby Association. Her natural speed and athletic abilities immediately caught the attention of coaches, who recognized her potential in the fast-paced format of rugby sevens.
That chance encounter proved life-changing. In her very first senior international tournament, Mahak delivered one of the most remarkable individual performances seen in recent Indian women’s rugby history. She scored nine tries during the competition and emerged as India’s highest scorer, earning the prestigious Women’s Player of the Tournament award. Even more impressive, she scored against every nation India faced in the tournament — a rare feat in rugby sevens.
The inaugural CASA Rugby 7s Championship, sanctioned by Asia Rugby and World Rugby, featured teams from India, Sri Lanka, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan. While India’s women’s team finished fourth overall, Mahak’s performance became one of the biggest talking points of the event. Her match-winning contribution against eventual champions Sri Lanka showcased not only her speed but also her composure under pressure.
Mahak Chauhan’s journey from a remote Himalayan village to international recognition is a reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere. Her story reflects the growing reach of sports in rural India and serves as an inspiration for young athletes dreaming beyond limitations.
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