HYDERABAD: Returning from St. Martin’s Engineering College after a tedious session of lectures in the afternoon, Kiran Chari would hasten straight to Yousufguda ground from Secunderabad. His team mates would be waiting there to train for the national senior’s championships. Like all Indian parents, Kiran’s parents too disapproved of him taking up sports as a career. It’s not surprising why Kiran played a crucial role when India won gold in world championship of throwball held in Nepal in June 2017. He captained Telangana men’s team for senior national in Delhi. He believes that his talent, discipline, hard works, perseverance are what makes him the sportsman he is.
But when other sportspersons have succeeded in translating their dreams into reality, thrusting themselves into the limelight with their achievements, Kiran says he is forced to work for private firm to make both ends meet. His only mistake? He didn’t play cricket but ‘throwball’. No many know that throwball is an Indian bound game, a blend of the German handball and volleyball, slightly inclined towards the latter in terms of the ball and the court. The history of the game can be traced back to 1940s, when it was played for the first time in Chennai. It attained immense popularity in Asian countries after throwball rules and regulations were drafted in 1955 and formation of the throwball federation India in 1978 further standardise it.
“It is non-contact sports, thus providing lesser susceptibility to injuries and we don’t need personal physio or personal trainer. Compared to other sports, this is a low-budget game. The only time we have to spend is during national and international tournaments. But it’s difficult for middle class family without any sponsors specially during international tournaments” says the techie.
Today, the game is officially recognised in many states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc. But sadly, the condition remains awfully pitiable in Hyderabad. The Telangana Throwball Association, which is affiliated to the Throwball Federation of India, toils for the upliftment of the game, but it is a non-profit organisation. With no corporate willing for sponsorship, the association had no choice but to earn for the game to subsist.
The Sports Authority of Telangana and Olympic Association of Telangana put the game under uncategorised section, which means that the players are ineligible for any form of assistance from the government. “I did not receive any help from government for representing the state, it’s on our own expenses. But the association is always kind to me and Jagan sir, the general secretary of Telangana Throwball Association, sponsored most of my travels,” he adds.
But what is most surprising is that even when city players excel at international level, there is no throwball court in any regularised government ground across the city. The players train at volleyball courts which is similar to throwball. “Although I am okay with it, the government should recognise the game, so that future player didn’t have to face the problem that we face today” said the distraught player.