Throwing Success: Mumbai girls dominate in DSO Throwball Tournament

In an unexpected break from the monsoon showers, Apeejay School, Nerul in Navi Mumbai’s grounds were alive with anticipation, heralding the inaugural DSO Throwball Tournament hosted by the esteemed institute. The event, a significant milestone in the school’s sporting calendar, unfolded in early October with girls’ matches gracing the courts on the former day, and their male counterparts taking center stage on the latter.

As the clock struck 9:30 am, an influx of spirited teams from various schools commenced, representing a wide spectrum of age categories. From the enthusiastic U-14 squads to the determined U-19 contenders, the school grounds bore witness to an array of talent.

A star-studded ceremony

The ceremony, graced by distinguished guests, added a touch of grandeur to the affair. Notable among them were Ms Lalita Babar, the illustrious Deputy Commissioner in the Sports and Cultural Department of NMMC, renowned for her prowess in the 3000 metre steeplechase and a name etched in the annals of Asian and National Games. Joining her were Mr RH Gurav, the instrumental DSO Officer of Navi Mumbai, and Mr Dhananjay Vanmali, a distinguished figure in the Maharashtra Volleyball Federation.

The school band ushered in the guests, heralding their arrival at 10:30 am. With a formal bouquet presentation, the principal of the school, Mr P Subhash, extended a gracious welcome, underlining the transformative power of sports in nurturing essential life skills.

Ms Lalita Babar, a beacon of inspiration in Indian athletics, also shared her personal odyssey, recounting the hurdles she surmounted to become a trailblazer in the field. Her poignant testimony highlighted the profound influence of sports on her journey to national and international acclaim.

With the ceremonial breaking of coconuts, the tournament was officially inaugurated, setting the stage for a day of spirited competition. The matches unfolded with palpable fervour, each team fiercely vying for victory.

In a remarkable turn of events, the U-19 girls secured third, although they faced formidable competition in St Xavier’s High School. The under-14 girls, displaying exceptional grit, outshone St. Xavier’s, clinching the top honours in a gripping finale. Not to be outdone, the U-14 boys’ team exhibited commendable prowess, securing a well-deserved second place amidst fierce contention.

According to the sports teacher of the school, Mr Amit Pathari, “The girls have been preparing for about two years at throw ball. They are working hard to build their strength at the game. To an onlooker, the game may look simple but it has very many rules on how to throw and catch.” He credits his colleagues, Ms Ganga Pillai and Mr Vinod Bhandare for their guidance and support towards all the student achievers.

The tournament’s ambiance was a heady mix of adrenaline and taut nerves, an experience that will linger long in the memory of all who witnessed it. As the sun dipped below the horizon, leaving behind a day to remember, the resounding impact of this sporting event on young minds remained indelible.

Nurturing future leaders

The DSO Throwball Tournament 2023 not only showcased exceptional athletic prowess but also underlined the invaluable role of sports in a child’s development. Beyond the arena, sports instill vital life skills such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. It fosters a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition, shaping young individuals into well-rounded leaders of tomorrow.

Throwball, a dynamic sport that demands precision, agility, and strategic thinking, particularly found its stride among the female participants. The girls’ teams exhibited exemplary proficiency, underscoring the inclusivity and empowerment that sports offer to young women. The tournament served as a resounding testament to the fact that in the realm of throw ball, girls indeed ace it. This is a true testament to the transformative power of sports in the lives of these young athletes.