As a “skinny, skinny little Indian kid” Shiven Dukhande was used to people telling him his goal of playing professional rugby was just a dream.
To underline that sentiment, Dukhande, who was obsessed with the game from his first training session with the USRC Tigers, aged eight, would look at those making rugby’s career and see “no one who was the same color as me”.
Now the owner of two Hong Kong seven caps, and aiming to earn more money, Dukhande said he wanted to be “the role model I didn’t have”.
“If I can inspire the new generation, that will be my job done,” the 25-year-old said.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Dukhande played football and cricket until it was suggested to his parents that rugby would be a better option for their “naughty and aggressive” son.
For his part, Dukhande was immediately impressed by the serious nature of the game.
