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Rugby may still be finding its feet in India, but women's Sevens is a completely new phenomenon.

Over the last few years Rugby India has been striving hard to promote and popularise the sport across the country.

One initiative they launched was the first ever all India women’s tournament which empowered top players to be part of the national squad and to play at the prestigious Asian Sevens tournament in Pattaya, Thailand in May.

"Women's rugby is being played in many parts of the country,” said Agai Hussain, vice president of Rugby India.

“The all India tournament was the first time women's teams from across the country came to compete. The tournament helped in identifying leading players from which the first ever all India national team was selected.”

Of course part of the desire to increase the level of Sevens in India is because of next year’s Commonwealth Games in Delhi which will host a Sevens tournament and could help boost the sport even further in India.

There is also the looming 2016 Olympic Games decision, and together the number of participants in Sevens is hoped to rise, although some stereotypes may have to be lost.

"The first impression that people get about rugby is that it's a reckless violent game. No doubt you need a streak of aggression, but there are several rules to the game to discipline it," said Gayatri Salunkhe, one of India’s participants in Thailand.

“In India, people tend to be biased and depend a lot on hearsay. So they appreciate watching only their good old cricket.

“Rugby or any other sport should be given equal justice, so that there is scope for our country's players to reach high international levels in more sports than one."

Having such tournaments and the option to play in the Asian Sevens tournament in Pattaya has helped Sevens take strides but there are other initiatives for the women's as well as the men's team to help the growth of the sport.

The men’s team were in action over the weekend at the Shanghai Sevens where they finished eighth, one place above their ranking going into the tournament beating Singapore 31-0.

They will continue to take part in the Asian Sevens Series which now moves onto the legs in the Philippines and Brunei in October.

With participation and interest for Sevens slowly growing, the game can go to the next level just in time for the Commonwealth and Olympic Games.

"The sport lacks awareness in India. When the game becomes popular, sponsors and funds for developing the game will automatically follow,” added Hussian.