The beginning of South Asian Heritage Month this week presented a prime moment for Rugby League to celebrate the invaluable contributions of some of the unsung heroes in the sport.
On Tuesday evening, three stalwarts of the London Roosters Wheelchair Rugby League set-up – Hargopal Bains and his sons, Amrik and Arun – alongside Mick Johal, founder of the North Herts Crusaders, represented Rugby League at a special event at Speaker’s House in Westminster, hosted by the RFL President Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
Ben Abberstein, the RFL’s Inclusion Lead, said: “Engaging more effectively with the many people of South Asian heritage who enrich the communities in which Rugby League is most strongly established is an important challenge for all in the sport.
“We have worked with a number of clubs to take significant steps in this regard in the last couple of years, building inclusive environments and bridging communities.
“South Asian Heritage Month serves as an opportunity for Rugby League to come together, challenge stereotypes and celebrate the significant contribution of the South Asian community.
“We were delighted that Hargopal, Amrik and Arun Bains were able to represent our sport at the celebration of South Asian Heritage hosted by our RFL President Sir Lindsay Hoyle.
“Pal has provided unstinting and invaluable support to Martin Coyd OBE for many years in growing and establishing Rugby League in Kent, both with Medway Dragons in the running game and the continued success of London Roosters in Wheelchair Rugby League.
“Pal was on the touchline at Hull last Saturday for the Wheelchair Challenge Cup Festival, with Amrik and Arun in the Roosters team – and three days later they were in Westminster!”
