Odisha woman & mother of 6-year-old boy to represent India in Rugby

Bhubaneswar: For a female sports athlete, the hardest task is perhaps dealing with motherhood successfully, because it is probably the most significant transition that eclipses careers and dreams.

Subhalaxmi Barik, a rugby player from Odisha will be among the handful of such inspiring women who have successfully managed their careers along with motherhood.

Subhalaxmi who has a 6-year-old son is now aiming to reach new heights as she is representing the Indian team at the Asia Rugby Sevens Trophy to be played in Jakarta, Indonesia on August 10 and 11.

Being one of the four women players from Odisha in the 12-member national squad for the event, she is now busy juggling her valuable time between her little boy and her preparations for the tournament.

Subhalaxmi says that she started playing rugby 10 years ago and has been regularly making appearances for the senior national team at several top level championships. Prior to that, she had also represented Odisha in a national-level football tournament.

As a forward with good speed and accurate passing skills, she had won a silver medal with the Indian team at 2016 Asian Rugby Sevens tournament and also won a bronze at Asian Rugby XVs Championships in Syria the following year. She attributes her fitness and zeal as key to her success.

"I am really comfortable and have always been excited to pursue both my family responsibilities and career goals and I have never pondered about quitting,” said Subhalaxmi.

Indian women rugby team captain, Vahbiz Bharucha terms Subhalaxmi as an inspiration for all women sportspersons. “Subhalaxmi works in the Forest department and also is a professional in top level rugby since past three to four years. The way she has successfully handled both her career and family is praiseworthy. It makes her an idol for other women,” said Bharucha.