๐๐ฅ Rajdeep Saha: The Boy Who Turned a Chocolate into a National Rugby Dream ๐ฎ๐ณ
๐๐ฅ Rajdeep Saha The Boy Who Turned a Chocolate into a National Rugby Dream ๐ฎ๐ณ credit Rajdeep Saha & Rugby
๐๐ฅ Rajdeep Saha: The Boy Who Turned a Chocolate into a National Rugby Dream ๐ฎ๐ณ
๐ A Story That Begins With Nothing โ And Becomes Everything
Some champions are born with privilege.
Others are built by struggle.
Rajdeep Saha belongs to the second kind.
His journey from an orphaned childhood to wearing a professional rugby jersey is not just a sports story โ it is a lesson in survival, discipline, and belief. Today, he stands as one of the most inspiring faces of Indian Rugby.
๐ Roots & Reality: Where the Journey Began
Rajdeep Saha was born in Azimganj, Murshidabad (West Bengal) โ a place far removed from professional sports infrastructure.
Life struck early and hard:
- โ Lost his mother at just 3 years old
- โ Family poverty ended normal schooling
- โ Found shelter at Don Bosco Ashalayam, Kolkata
There, life was about survival โ until sport entered his world.
๐ซ The Chocolate Moment That Changed His Fate
At around 10 years of age, Rajdeep was introduced to rugby during a community sports session.
The reward?
๐ One chocolate after every game
That chocolate:
- Gave him motivation ๐ซ
- Gave him discipline ๐ง
- Gave him hope โค๏ธ
What started as a small reward became a lifelong obsession.
โChocolate and rugby changed my life.โ
โ Rajdeep Saha
๐ง The Mentor Who Saw a Champion
Enter Paul Walsh โ former British diplomat and mentor of the Khelo Rugby Programme.
He didnโt just teach rugby.
He rebuilt Rajdeepโs life.
๐ Khelo Rugby Impact
| Support Area | Contribution |
| Coaching | Professional rugby training |
| Education | Continued schooling |
| Nutrition | Daily meals & fitness |
| Shelter | Safe living after hostel age |
| Mentorship | Emotional & life guidance |
๐ Rise Through Indian Rugby
Rajdeepโs progress was unstoppable once structure met talent.
๐ Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement |
| 2016 | Joined Jungle Crows Rugby Club |
| 2017 | Bengal Junior National Champion |
| 2019 | Captain โ Bengal Junior Team |
| 2019 | Selected for India Senior Team |
| 18 yrs | First international exposure |
๐ International Exposure: Learning From the World
Rajdeep gained rare international exposure for an Indian rugby player:
๐ Countries Played In
Rajdeep Saha has competed internationally in Japan, Qatar, England, and Sri Lanka, gaining experience in high-speed, physical, and tactically disciplined rugby environments. This exposure strengthened his skills, fitness, and game intelligence, shaping him into a more complete international-level player.
This global experience sharpened his:
- Tactical awareness
- Physical strength
- Mental toughness
๐๏ธ Big Break: Rugby Premier League (RPL)
In 2025, history was made โ India launched its first professional Rugby Premier League.
Rajdeep Saha became part of it.
๐ด Delhi Redz Player Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Name | Rajdeep Saha |
| Nationality | India ๐ฎ๐ณ |
| Date of Birth | 12 October 2001 |
| Height | 175 cm |
| Position | Back |
| Jersey No. | #4 |
| Team | Delhi Redz |
| League | Rugby Premier League |
๐ RPL 2025 Performance Snapshot
| Matches | Tries | Defenders Beaten | Yellow Cards |
| 5 | 1 | 4 | 1 |
๐น Delhi Redz reached the RPL Final
๐น Rajdeep scored a try (5 points)
๐น Known for speed, agility & defense
โค๏ธ Giving Back: Champion On & Off the Field
Rajdeep didnโt forget his past.
Today, he works with Khelo Rugby as:
- ๐ Youth coach
- โค๏ธ Social mentor
- ๐ Education motivator
He trains underprivileged kids โ just like he once was.
๐ฌ Mindset of a True Warrior
Money never tempted him away from rugby.
For Rajdeep, rugby is:
- Family ๐จโ๐ฉโ๐ฆ
- Identity ๐
- Purpose ๐ฏ
๐ Why Rajdeep Sahaโs Story Inspires India
โ Proof that talent exists everywhere
โ Importance of grassroots sports
โ Power of mentorship
โ Hope for underprivileged youth
๐ Final Whistle
Rajdeep Sahaโs journey proves one truth:
Champions are not born โ they are built.
And Rajdeep Saha is still building his legacy. ๐ฎ๐ณ๐
SirBikramSutradhar on YouTube
