Flying the discs of glory

While most of us are constantly looking for a getaway from the scorching heat, here are some who love the sun and sand so much that they don’t mind sweating out in the sun at any time of the day! Running behind a white disc flying in the sky, they dive into the air, as the sea sends its breezes across. Frisbee, a rather new addition to the country’s sporting scene, is one of the few games played with mixed-gender participants, challenging the gender barriers in sport.

The Indian Ultimate Frisbee mixed team, that is going to partake in the World Championships of Beach Ultimate in Royan, France in June, recently visited Chennai to test the sands. We caught up with them during a showcase match with Chennai’s local team — as they spoke on the upcoming world tournament, the challenges the sport poses and more. Suhani Bedi, 24, the captain of the team, says the sport is growing manifold over the past few years and Chennai has been a focal point for the game with the number of Ultimate players it is home to. “Our team has players from all over the country, but majorly from Chennai. The game is a highly competitive one, and what makes it even better is having men and women play together — complementing and challenging each other’s strengths and weaknesses. We all meet once a month for few days and train together in Chennai mostly. We were playing with the best players here to practice and as a way to raise funds for the team’s trip to France, as well,” shares Suhani.

The Indian contingent of 15 players, with five alternative players and a coach, are rigorously sweating it out to give their best shot at the world championship. Our country’s Frisbee team is also making its efforts to get the sport recognised by the Indian Olympic Association. Praveen Kumar, another captain of the team who hails from Chennai, has been playing the sport for the past five years. “Being a sport that can be played in any weather and any kind of topographic condition — grass, indoors or beach — it doesn’t require much investment. All that the game requires from a player is a lot of stamina — much more than rugby and football, since one has to sprint continuously and at a much faster pace,” he explains.

Team India’s coach, Udaya Kumar, is confident of the team playing towards bettering the country’s rank compared to the previous years at the world championship. “India is still growing in terms of the game with not too many takers for the sport. But the team’s been practicing extensively with some of the best players in the country to give their best. Last year’s team advanced India’s position from the rank 26 to 17. This year, we’re sure the team can perform better.” “We’re pretty excited about the game and this time around, each of the team members has had an experience of playing at a world championship before and we’re prepared to put India’s best foot forward,” Suhani adds, signing off.