In the heart of Mumbai, the first Rugby Premier League was not just about thrilling matches and fast-paced rugby action. It also became a special moment in Indian sports history because of one person—Palak Poddar. At just 29 years old, she stood tall as a female referee in a male-dominated sport, inspiring many with her calm confidence and powerful presence on the field.
A Trailblazer in Indian Rugby
Palak Poddar is not just any referee. She is the first Indian woman to officiate an international test match in rugby. She has represented West Bengal in national competitions and is also a certified match official. All of this while managing a full-time marketing job. Her dedication shows that passion and hard work can make anything possible—even in sports where women are rarely seen in key roles.
- She officiates international matches across Asia, even with men’s teams.
- She is a marketing professional at Zomato by day, and a rugby referee by passion.
- Her journey into rugby was not planned—but it changed her life completely.
How It All Began
Palak started playing rugby at 19. She joined the Calcutta Cricket and Football Club because she loved running and sports. “I used to run in school and played badminton in college,” she said. When someone invited her to join the club’s newly formed women’s rugby team, she gave it a try. That decision opened doors to a whole new world.
In 2018, she decided to attend a match officiating course. Without much planning, she agreed to travel to Hyderabad for a national-level junior tournament. “At the time, there were hardly any female referees, so I think they wanted me to try,” she said.
Overcoming Challenges with Confidence
Becoming a rugby referee was not easy. “It was tough at first. There are so many rules to remember,” she admitted. “But it also gave me a chance to test myself. I wanted to see if I could really do this.”
Refereeing men’s matches can be intimidating, but Palak doesn’t let that stop her. “I feel powerful,” she said. “You are on the field with 30 men, many of whom are twice your size, and you are the one in control. You must know the rules and hold the authority with confidence.”
Balancing Rugby with Real Life
Although rugby is her passion, Palak continues her career in marketing because full-time opportunities in rugby are still limited. “Rugby makes me happy. I love being part of this ecosystem. It’s different from other sports—there’s respect for everyone, no matter your role.”
She believes things are slowly improving. Rugby India is becoming more professional, and players are now getting paid for camps. More importantly, she sees society changing. Families are now more accepting of girls in sports, and schools are starting to support athletic education from an early age.
- Breaking News: Indian women are gaining more space in sports, thanks to role models like Palak.
- Daily news highlights show that sports federations and families are supporting girls more than ever.
- Schools are encouraging kids—both boys and girls—to take sports seriously and professionally.
Inspiring Future Generations
Palak says her own family was once unsure about her playing a contact sport. But they never stopped supporting her. Now, as she stands proudly on the rugby field, she hopes her journey will inspire other women to join the game—not just as players, but as officials, coaches, and leaders.
Her message is clear: You don’t have to fit into a role that society gives you. You can create your own.
