New Delhi, July 30 -- From the wrestling heartland of Haryana to the rugby field, Team India star Mohit Khatri has carved out a journey of perseverance and passion, rising through successive defeats to earn the national jersey and set his sights on Olympic qualification.

In recent years, the 'land of pehlwans' has given birth to star performers in another power-packed sport - rugby. One of the brightest of these is Team India star Mohit Khatri, according to a release.

Hailing from Kundli village in the Sonipat district of Haryana, Mohit was introduced to rugby by his elder brother Vikas Khatri - a former Team India captain - when he was in class 6.

"I used to play football with my friends during the weekends. One day, my brother decide...