India can be called a hub of different sports and games as many of the sports activities that are now well known in the world and are played worldwide, originated in India. One such game is “THROWBALL”.
A game which can be played indoor as well as in outdoor area was originally believed to have connections as a women sport or game is now played by both men and women across the world. Often considered to be very similar to other sports such as Volleyball, Catchball and Newcomb Ball but it stands out.
History
According to the Throwball Federation of India, Throwball is thought to have originated from a recreational sport which was popular among women in England and Australia in 1930’s. Jagat Singh Chauhan, an alumnus of YMCA (Young Men’s Christian Association) is believed to have brought it in Chennai, India where it was played as women’s sport in 1940’s. Though it is played around the world, it has gained much popularity in India than in any other part of the world.
The first set of rules for Throwball was formed by Harry Crowe Buck, a member of YMCA in 1955 and the Throwball Federation of India was formed in 1985.
How it is Played
Throwball is a non-contact ball sport played across a net between two teams consisting of nine players each. Around 3 to 5 substitute players are allowed for each team, which can make a maximum of 3 substitutions during a set. Two time-outs of 30 seconds each is allowed to a team during a set. The basic idea of the game is that to defeat the opponents by throwing the ball into the opposition half or their part of the court and the team which scores 25 points first, wins a set and there are about 3 sets in a match. Though the game sounds easy to play but it is a hard nut to crack as it comes with several complicated ideas such as the team which is serving can only score a point and does so at opponent’s mistake such as if the opponent fails to return the ball over the net or touches the ball twice or even touching a net. Even service is done keeping in mind specific rules such as it is done just after referee’s whistle at the start of the game and after a point is scored. It is done from behind the back line towards any area of the opposition’s side.
Rules
Points can only be scored while serving.
Points are lost in Throwball if a team fails to return a serve or throw such as by hitting the net of failing to catch the ball and then throw it back.
All team members will have to be there 15 minutes prior to the game on scheduled venue otherwise the negligence can lead to the victory of another team.
The ball is required to be thrown back within 3 seconds by a member who caught it.
Any act of pushing or misbehaving is not allowed.
The ball should not touch the net.
Players cannot touch the net for any reason.
Two players cannot touch the ball at the same time.
Present Day Situation And Matches
Throwball is such a widely known game but it is not included in Olympic games. Though there are other matches as well which took place at the Domestic and International level.
1. Domestic Competitions
The Throwball Federation of India organized the National Throwball Championship in India.
2. International Competition
A Junior International Throwball Match was conducted in Kuala Lampur, Malaysia in December 2015 in which eight countries participated.
Though the craze of this sport is decreasing but the country should encourage the youth to come forward and take the lead to present not only the country but keeping the essence of Throwball alive!
