In the early hours at Elliots Beach, cones are placed to mark play areas. Children and teens engage in Ultimate games, showcasing their skills in a friendly atmosphere. The beach is alive with matches, drawing in spectators to witness the action.
The Ultimate Scene in Chennai
Weekends witness the bustling Ultimate scene in Chennai, with teams gathering on the sandy shores for games and tournaments. Agni Nakshatra, a beginner’s tournament, serves as a platform for budding players to learn and compete under expert guidance.
Praveen Balaji, known as Bajji, from Chakra, the pioneering Ultimate club in Chennai, emphasizes the inclusive nature of the sport. Ultimate thrives on community support and the spirit of fair play, with a focus on teamwork and skill development.
Rising Popularity and Success
Ultimate’s popularity has surged in Chennai, with the India Mixed team claiming silver at the Asia Oceanic Beach Ultimate Championship. The sport has witnessed significant growth, with a surge in clubs and players actively participating in various tournaments.
Abhinav Vinayakh Shankarnarayanan, a player from Flywild, reminisces about the humble beginnings of Ultimate in Chennai and acknowledges the substantial increase in players and clubs over the years.
Empowering Women in Sports
One of the unique aspects of Ultimate in Chennai is the active involvement of women in the sport. Namritha Anbarasan, a psychologist playing for Stall 7, highlights the positive impact of Ultimate on team building, empathy, and leadership skills, especially for women.
Women like Mrinalini Siddhartha have taken on coaching roles, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of female players in the sport.
Community Support and Growth
Ultimate thrives on community support in Chennai, with players coming together to organize tournaments and promote the spirit of camaraderie. The sport’s competitive nature is balanced by the sense of unity and shared passion for the game.
Siva Raman, captain of the India Mixed team, reflects on the challenges and triumphs of Ultimate in Chennai, emphasizing the importance of support from the community in nurturing young talents from diverse backgrounds.
Future Endeavors and Global Stage
Chennai’s Ultimate players are gearing up for the World Championships in Australia, with promising talents like Vishnu Das leading the charge. The sport’s evolution into a professional endeavor reflects the dedication and commitment of players towards honing their skills.
For those looking to start their Ultimate journey in Chennai, experienced players like Praveen, Abhinav, and Sreekesh encourage enthusiasts to join them on the beach for a thrilling frisbee experience. As Dr. Stancil Johnson aptly put it, “When a ball dreams, it dreams it’s a frisbee.”