The Mumbai Schools Sports Association's (MSSA) inter-school volleyball tournament has struck a right chord with kids. The MSSA has received 147 entries from 40 schools as compared to 126 teams from 38 schools last year
The Mumbai Schools Sports Association's (MSSA) inter-school volleyball tournament has struck a right chord with kids. The MSSA has received 147 entries from 40 schools as compared to 126 teams from 38 schools last year. This could be attributed to the popularity of the recent Commonwealth and Asian Games.
Children's Academy, Malad and Lady Vissanji, Andheri (in blue) during
the volleyball tournament at Azad Maidan. Pic/Bipin Kokate
"There has been an increase in the number of teams participating this time and I'm thrilled by the interest shown in volleyball," said MSSA's volleyball secretary, RB Pawar.
Parents, who were earlier apprehensive, also supported the sport wholeheartedly. Shruti, the mother of Priyanka Visaria, who plays for Shishuvan School, King's Circle, said: "I wasn't sure of her choice at first, but the coach convinced me and I am happy to see her playing volleyball so well.
The environment reminds me of my playing days. Children's Academy coach Nilesh Thakkar claimed that unlike other games, volleyball doesn't require a lot of running and that is what attracted children towards the sport.
Children's Academy's Karan Patel said volleyball is the most popular sport in their school. "That's the reason we have been the defending champions here for the last two years," he said.
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