How did ‘Ultimate Frisbee’ start in Thiruvananthapuram?
In Thiruvananthapuram, a group of over 500 people have come together to promote the thrilling game of Ultimate Frisbee.
So, what exactly is Ultimate Frisbee?
Ultimate Frisbee is a self-referred non-contact sport where two teams of ideally seven players try to field a flying disc and score a point by catching it within one of the end zones.
Ideal outdoor fields are usually 100 meters long with 18 meter end zones at each end.
If a team manages to reach the opposing end zone and capture the disc within it, they score a point.
The opposing team then starts at the scored end and tries to reach the other end of the field.
Players can only throw the disc to their teammates, and cannot run by holding it like in a basketball.
The opposing team may try to intercept the disc or slosh it to regain control, which is called a turnover.
However, any contact while trying to block or intercept the disc is considered a foul.
How did ‘Ultimate Frisbee’ start in Thiruvananthapuram?
Trivandrum Ultimate is the Thiruvananthapuram chapter for the promotion of the game.
It was started in 2021 by Delhi-based professional player-coach Benoy Stephen and a group of his friends.
Shankar Ram, an IT professional, is currently managing the group and is one of the founding members.
He is also the captain of Thira, a competitive team from Trivandrum Ultimate, which is preparing for its first tournament in Kodaikanal.
However, Trivandrum Ultimate mostly consists of enthusiasts of varying ages, from 12-year-olds to those in their 50s.
spirit of the game
The “Spirit of the Game” is another unique aspect of this game.
Opposing teams actually measure each other’s ‘spirit of the game’ using five metrics.
These are: awareness of the rules, being fair and truthful, respectful communication, positive sportsmanship and self-control, and avoiding foul play and physical contact.
The most enthusiastic teams in a tournament are the ones that score the most points from their opposing teams.
Reporting, photos and video: Ashwin VN
Voiceover: Gopika KP
Production: Renu Cyriac
Photo: Sushil Kumar Verma