Bhubaneswar, Feb. 9: Rugby players of the state are getting ready to compete in the ongoing National Games in Kerala as well as the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

The players have had many achievements and are hopeful of medals at the events but support from the government remains a far cry.

All these players are performing well despite the lack of infrastructure and support from the authorities. There is neither a proper playground nor the right kind of uniforms or food available for the players, who are mostly from poor families.

"We spend from our own pockets and get the players good quality uniforms since rugby is a rough game. Also, the game is all about stamina, power and strength and a proper diet has to be followed. Nothing much has been done by the sports department so far. Even for practice, we have to take permission to use the playgrounds at Kalinga Stadium. Yet, our players will be Olympians next year," said secretary of the Odisha Rugby Football Association Upendra Mohanty, who coaches the 12-member women's team.

The men and women's teams of the state are preparing themselves with warm-ups and practice sessions. In 2007 and 2011, The men's teams had taken part in the National Games.

This year, 12 youths will shoulder the state's hopes at the event with Manas Kumar Jena, as their coach, guiding them towards better performance.

"We have practised a lot and are in good shape. Last time, we finished fourth and lost the bronze medal by a whisker against Delhi. But, we will try our best to grab a medal this year," said men's team captain Rajeev Kumar Nath.

For the first time, the Indian Olympic Association has included women's teams to compete in the National Games. The state team is also taking part this year. They rank second in the country and hope to clinch the gold or silver medal.

"We know the strength and weaknesses of our opponent teams, and we have tried to plan our game accordingly. We can promise a gold or silver," said captain Laxmipriya Sahoo.

The teams will also be accompanied with a manager and a physio.

Three players of the men's team of the state - Muna Murmu, Gouranga Jamunda and Gyana Ranjan Prusty and five women players, including Meenarani Hembram, Sanjukta Munda, Bhagyalaxmi Barik, Hupi Majhi and Laxmipriya Sahoo - have been chosen for the national sides for the 2016 Rio Olympics in Brazil.

"They will be joining the training camp in Chennai. Besides, with efforts by the association president Priydarshi Mishra, rugby has been included in school games by the School Games Federation of India," said Mohanty.

Four boys - Kalicharan Biswal, Gyana Ranjan Prusty, Sasankasekhar Tripathy and Sarbeswar Murmu - and four girls - Bhanumati Bage, Sujata Pradhan, Sasmita Moharana and Sabita Munda - will also be taking part in the federation's rugby-7s France tour this year. They will join the coaching camp in Delhi next month.