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British Asian Rugby Association To Take Part In The All India Tournament In Mumbai
06/09/2005
The BARA Rugby team, which is the brainchild of Ikram Butt, one of the first Asian rugby players to represent England, includes players from England and Scotland, whose roots originate from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. BARA is supported by the Youth Charter and RFU which aims to promote integration among different Asian communities, encourage personal development and healthy living amongst British Asians, and to help break down cultural and religious barriers through participation in sport, especially rugby.
Ikram Butt (BARA Director) said: "We (BARA) are absolutely delighted and proud to be taking part in the All India tournament and are confident of progressing to the later stages."
"We played and won our first game together two months ago against the established British Zions (Jewish National Squad)– who had been training for the Maccabi Games in Israel.”
"Sport is an incredibly powerful tool in helping to break down the barriers between different cultures. We know that our India trip will help us form vital connections with the Indian people that will set firm foundations for the future and we are already looking forward to hosting the Indian and Pakistani team(s) over here at a later date."
In addition to BARA's participation, the tournament will feature a showcase celebrity match with a team likely to include Bollywood stars such as Raul Bose and also a team from Pakistan - Lahore Rugby Football Club.
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