
Commonwealth Games real test of our strengths: Nasser
Rugby India captain Nasser Hussain considers Commonwealth Games as the real test of the team's mettle and feels the hosts need to fire on all cylinders to overpower their more fancied rivals.
The Indian team, announced yesterday, is high on confidence after recent triumphs in Istanbul (Istanbul 7s) and England (Bee's International 7s) against some of the best clubs in Europe, Middle East and Asia. The tour to New Zealand, in the build-up to the October 3-14 event, was also a learning experience for the Indians.
The team acquired in-depth knowledge about the game and identified its strengths and weaknesses and Nasser said the tour helped the side understand the nuances of the sport from the best in the business.
"England and New Zealand exposure trips have helped us a lot in preparing for the Commonwealth Games. We are now competing like a team and our game has also improved. We know the level is going to be high at the Games but we are ready for the challenges ahead," Hussain said.
"The top 10 rugby teams of the world are from Commonwealth countries. So the field is really going to be strong. We are looking for some great rugby action in front of the home crowd.
"Commonwealth Games is a real test of our mental and physical fitness. We will put forward a combined team effort to emerge victorious. We are no longer pushovers.
Players have worked hard on their skills, and trained with the best in the business. We hope to give some tough challenge to our fancied rivals," Hussain added.
Grouped with Wales, South Africa and Tonga, the Indian ruggers have little chance to go beyond the preliminary league round, but they nonetheless, are looking to give the best teams in the business a run for their money in front of home crowd.
"We will go into the tournament as underdogs. The Games will bring the best out of all of us. Teams like New Zealand, South Africa, England and others have superior understanding of the game and that shows in their rankings. We all know as a team that there is still a long way to go for us. But we are looking forward to test ourselves against the best in the world. Who knows we might cause an upset or two," said Hussain.

'If tractors are stopped, remove barricades': Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait

Number of medicos testing positive for Covid-19 rises to 10 at Patna’s NMCH
- One of the infected students who took the first dose of the vaccine early last month, died at Begusarai on March 1, after testing positive for SARS CoV-2 on February 25.

News updates from HT: Gadkari asks Mamata to explain how BJP is an outsider
- Here are today’s top news, analysis, and opinion. Know all about the latest news and other news updates from Hindustan Times.

IAF chief visits Colombo to mark Sri Lankan Air Force’s 70th anniversary
- The IAF contingent arrived in Colombo on February 27. The Suryakiran Aerobatic Team had taken part in the SLAF’s golden jubilee celebrations two decades ago.

Murder in Bihar’s Saran district sparks violence against police
- At least eight policemen were injured in the two-hour mayhem that began around 9.30 am.

Covaxin demonstrates prowess of Atmanirbhar Bharat, says ICMR chief
- Bharat Biotech developed the country’s first indigenous vaccine, Covaxin, in partnership with ICMR.

‘Nails put in farmers’ path, if this preparation was at borders...’: Thackeray

'Be ready to combat new and emerging diseases: VP Naidu's message to scientists

Jawans to take part in top military meet for first time, PM Modi to address it
- The military is expected to make a presentation to the PM on the situation along the borders and progress made towards the creation of theatre commands.

Nirav Modi case: Lawyer says ex-SC judge Katju made ‘contemptuous’ remarks

Anurag Kashyap, Tapsee Pannu raided in tax evasion probe: 10 points
- Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik has alleged that the raids on Anurag Kashyap and Tapsee Pannu were an attempt to suppress the voice of those who speak against the central government.

Arunachal to send proposal to govt for dereservation of some reserve forests: CM
- Khandu said, he had recently asked the chief secretary to compile details of such reserve forests and send a proposal to the Centre with a request to use such forest land for carrying out development work.

BSF jawan killed, two others injured in accident in firing range in Jaisalmer
- Five jawans were taking part in a night firing practice when the incident took place.

To improve green cover, Telangana MP helms initiative to promote planting trees
- Santosh is planning to set up a Green India Foundation to take up the tree plantation programme extensively and also spread it to other parts of the country.

Request to vaccinate Dalai Lama at his premises under consideration: authorities
- the Tibetan government-in-exile, had asked the Centre and the Kangra district medical officer to vaccinate the Dalai Lama and those working around him at the earliest,