While you read this and the IPL frenzy is at its peak, the Indian Ultimate Frisbee team has been doggedly fighting the odds to go to London next month.
Firstly, how many of us even know that we have a frisbee team? Even though the sport has a relatively small following, frisbee is played enthusiastically in Bangalore, Chennai, and a few other places.
Now that you know the present problem is solved. But, that cannot dismiss the sad fact of the country splurging on a few sports and ignoring the others.
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A total of 23 people wants to participate in the World Ultimate and Guts Championships to be held in London next month. Every player would need around Rs. 1.5 lakh to make this trip. While a few players can make this trip, a lot more cannot.
They are aiming to raise Rs. 10 lakh and more by crowdfunding. The funds generated will be used for training, accommodation, flight tickets, visa, and food.
There are players from humble backgrounds who would never visit London if not for this sport.
Only criteria: MERIT
The sport, which needs just a piece of plastic of 175 gms to play, requires no fancy equipment or gear.
"The aspect of self-refereeing was something unique and that inspired me. The willingness of the people who played the sport to help and encourage everyone alike was another major reason," said Abhishek, one of the players from the squad.
Since the sport is played in quite a number of places, there was a nationwide selection camp. The selectors chosen by Ultimate Players Association of India (UPAI) conducted open and fair trials.
"All the players on the squad have at least played this sport for a few years now and we've all played with and against each other over these years. There is a tremendous amount of respect among the players. Each of us are leaders in our respective club teams," added Abhishek.
They train, eat and try to stay together during the days of the camp. A few of the players' houses has become dormitories for the weekend.
Either they get funds or they don't go
M.Ganesan's father is a city corporation worker and his mother works in a local fish stall. Before playing frisbee, he used to steal mangoes in the local slum.
Maksood Chaudhury dropped out of school as his family could not afford to. Later, he got a job at Videocon and now they are sponsoring his trip to London.
Chethan Shrikanth, who studies at Loyola College in Bangalore owns a small eatery and looks after his mother.
If we are unable to get the money for them, they would probably not be able to travel to London and their dreams would die.
The crowdfunding approach is one where people unite and join hands for a single cause. Many promising Indian athletes like Inderjeet Singh, Dutee Chand, Shiva Keshavan, and Khushbir Kaur used crowdfunding to meet their training requirement.
Unlike them, these players don't require huge fund for their practice, they just need some money to put India on world frisbee map. As a community, it is just about trying to create that healthy and competitive environment that will bring about future medal winners at Olympics.
We know it is a daunting task but they're getting close to the finish line. Every penny counts. Just a little help from everyone and they'll be through.
Here's how you can contribute to this campaign: https://www.instamojo.com/UPAI/support-team-india-open/
When we have the fund to sponsor mega events of cricket like the IPL, where money flows like a river falling into an ocean, why can't we help other sports grow as well?
The power of democracy is mighty and I believe in it. It’s time we paid heed to something which brings glory to the nation.
You can check this link here to know more about the sport.
We hope you will step up and help this Olympic sport to grow in India.
