El torneo nacional de disco volador en India, organizado por el equipo de Kerala Ultimate, se llevará a cabo en Hyderabad.
Ultimate Frisbee: Kerala’s Journey to National Glory
In a significant showcase of athletic talent, a team of 26 players will represent Kerala in an interstate Ultimate Frisbee tournament scheduled from June 2 to June 4. Preparations have been intense, with dedicated practice sessions taking place at various training grounds in Kolenchery, Chalakudy, and Kochi over the past month. The excitement is palpable as the young athletes gear up for this prestigious event.
The Rise of Ultimate Frisbee in Kerala
Ultimate Frisbee, often simply referred to as "Ultimate," has steadily gained a following in Kerala, particularly in recent years. Communities in cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Kochi have embraced the sport, with regular matches becoming increasingly popular.
A majority of the players on the Kerala team hail from Kochi, with a remarkable aspect being that 11 of them are children participating through the JustDotPlay initiative. This non-profit organization focuses on using sports as a platform for development, offering opportunities to children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Empowering Youth through Sports
The JustDotPlay Foundation, co-founded by Anand Varghese Mathew and Peter J. Puliknel, aims to harness the power of sports to teach crucial life skills and promote gender equality. Their journey began in 2021, when they started working with children in shelters, rescue homes, and government schools. Among the Kerala team are eleven children—three boys and eight girls—who exemplify the foundation’s mission.
Anand, a graduate from St. Stephen’s College in Delhi, recalls his early exposure to the development potential of sports through non-governmental organizations. He saw an opportunity to create a similar initiative in Kochi, leading to the founding of JustDotPlay.
Life Skills and Team Dynamics
Anand highlights the inherent qualities of Ultimate Frisbee that lend themselves to personal growth. “There are no referees in this game,” he explains, emphasizing that players must resolve conflicts among themselves. This dynamic fosters vital communication skills and encourages the youngsters to navigate interpersonal differences effectively. The mixed-gender format of the game further provides an opportunity to challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality.
The Competitive Spirit
While many of us have tossed a Frisbee casually at a beach or park, the competitive side of Ultimate Frisbee is what the Kerala team is gearing up for. Anand, who also serves as the team’s coach, indicates that they aren’t just playing for fun; they’re competing against teams from Telangana, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh in what is known as the India Trophy—a tournament hosted by the Param Players Association of India (UPAI).
Alappuzha, in particular, has been a vibrant hub for freestyle Ultimate since the 2000s, making it a cornerstone of the gaming community in Kerala. The current tournament requires teams to leverage seamless cooperation and strategic play to achieve victory.
Team Composition and Game Rules
The Kerala Ultimate team boasts a diverse range of ages, with the youngest player being just 12 years old and the oldest a sprightly 43. The team consists of players from various professional backgrounds, making it not only a community-driven effort but also a melting pot of experiences.
Players were selected based on the trials held in April, ensuring that only the most dedicated athletes made the cut. Each game consists of teams with seven players, and gameplay rules emphasize gender representation: if a team starts with four girls and three boys, the next point must be switched to a balance of four boys and three girls to continue the play.
The Road Ahead and National Aspirations
The idea to participate in the national tournament crystallized after an invitation from JustDotPlay. Upon gathering interested members from various cities, the willingness to put forth their best efforts became unanimous. This enthusiastic response is a testament to the rising popularity of Ultimate Frisbee as not only a sport but a valuable life experience.
As the tournament approaches, the team’s collective spirit and values instilled through JustDotPlay become increasingly evident. Each practice session, every strategy discussed, and the friendships forged will culminate in a competitive yet supportive environment that mirrors the very essence of Ultimate Frisbee.
Conclusion
Kerala’s participation in the upcoming Ultimate Frisbee tournament is not just about playing a sport; it’s about empowering youth, fostering community spirit, and breaking down barriers. Through the lens of sport, participants learn vital life skills that transcend the playing field, making them not just better athletes but well-rounded individuals ready to take on the challenges of life.
With each throw of the Frisbee and every cheer of encouragement, the Kerala team turns the spotlight on a game that is not only engaging but transformative. As the tournament unfolds, the players will not just aim for victory but will strive to inspire others in their communities, making their mark on the evolving landscape of sports in India.
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