Amateur Racquetball Federation of India to spearhead promotion of sport in the country
Team India Racquetball
Bangalore August 9, 2010: As India celebrates the existence of a National Team at the prestigious World Racquetball Championships in Korea, the Amateur Racquetball Federation of India (ARFI) is enthusiastic about the sport’s potential for growth in the country.
“Racquetball is a well recognized sport in America and is rapidly getting recognition in Asia. We believe the sport has tremendous potential in India, given that it is so similiar to Squash, which is a hugely popular sport in our country that is played by thousands of people and now has a thriving professional circuit” says Namdev Shirgaonkar, general secretary of the ARFI.
Currently, there are 12 state Racquetball associations under the National Federation, which is headquartered in Mumbai. With the sport being recognized by the International Olympic Committee, the ARFI is confident of getting membership into the Indian Olympic Association, which will open up a lot of opportunities for people to take up Racquetball.
“The ARFI recently conducted a national seminar and clinic,which was attended by 110 people who were taught the rules and nuances of the game. We plan to build a sports complex with a Racquetball court in Aurangabad in Maharashtra, and we will build more courts in the near future to give people the opportunity to play. We are proud to be fielding a team at the World Racquetball Championships in Korea, and we look forward to the support of the public and the media in spreading the word about this fantastic sport”, says a confident Namdev.
India is also a very important market for growth and development for the International Racquetball Federation (IRF), that has made serious inroads with the game in other parts of Asia. “”The IRF is extremely happy to welcome Team India to the 15th World Championships in Seoul, Korea. There is no question we need to talk about how to expand the sport in India. The need for new court facilities and new players will be a key part of our discussions. We are sure that it will be exciting to see Racquetball develop in India” said Dr. Keith Calkins, President of the IRF.
India will field a three-member strong contingent at the upcoming World Racquetball Championships to be held in Seoul, Korea from August 13th – 21st. Thirty-two year old Sathwik Rai, a former junior Indian national level swimmer, will captain the team at the all-important Championships. The other two members are Srikaran Kandadai and Raaj Mohan.
Internet based medical software solutions company, Nuesoft, is the Official Team Sponsor.
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I am very happy to hear the news. I have been playing for over seven years in USA and want to
see this sport grow in India.
Way to go guys! good luck.
All the best boys, Play yourbest and keep the name of India high!
intrested for Orissa . will u kindly reply
s.dash
hi,
Iam interested in playing the sport. I started playing this sport as an beginner in LA fitness in euless Texas. Now iam back in chennai. Pls help me know where in chennai i can join & continue to play.