When 22-year-old Praveen Kumar first showed his friends a flying disc, they thought it was a plate. Now, Praveen and his friends travel the world to play Ultimate Frisbee. Praveen, from Urur Kuppam, is one of eight players from Besant Nagar to represent India at the World Under-23 Ultimate Championship in London. The team, which was trained by an Australian coach, finished ninth. The eight youngsters are from a modest background.
The trip to London was sponsored by two corporate firms. Crowd-funding helped meet a part of the expenses. “Ultimate Frisbee is now a serious sport. It is now recognised by the International Olympic Council. The sponsors want to see results,” says Manu Karan, President of Chennai Ultimate and the head of Youth Development Committee, Ultimate Players Association of India.
For Praveen and Ramakrishnan N., 21, who is also from Urur Kuppam, the trip to London meant travelling by an airplane for the first time. With Ultimate Frisbee, these youngsters have developed social skills and self-confidence. It has also meant respect in the eyes of their family. M. Ganesan, also from Urur Kuppam, says, “Initially, my parents would ask me to not waste time at the beach. Now, they are my fans. When I went to Dubai for a tournament, my entire family came over to see me off. When I got selected for the tournament at London, their joy was boundless.”
“Frisbee has become a vital part of Besant Nagar and has had an impact on many lives and not just on the players. Local vendors get business during these tournaments. It has brought people from different walks of life together. So many people — from the elaneer seller to staff of the neighbouring restaurants — play the sport,” says Manu.
