For those living in dormancy, we have some news that will interest you. What you always thought of as just another de-stressing sport — paintball — will soon witness the Indian team fighting it out at the upcoming Paintball World Cup Asia in Kuala Lumpur. As the local contingent says, there can’t be a better war than paintball! We speak to the Indian team, Chennai-based Paint Mechanix, who are gathering their cannons and pellets to make it big at this international ground, to battle with 32 other countries. They talk to us about the sport, its takers and how things are going to get all the more real for this fun sport!
This year’s team will have a total of seven Chennaiites, three from Bengaluru, along with two replacement members. This sport, which was developed in the 1980s, has teams consisting of men and women shooting opponents out from the game using paintballs or pellets.
While the sport is practiced at a highly professional level in many countries, it is picking up only now in India — as a recreational activity, and as a team building game. Currently, India has eight professional teams, and Paint Mechanix is the only team that will be playing at the Paintball World Cup Asia 2016.
The captain of the Indian team, Naveen N, is excited as he shares, “This is a big deal for us as we have been working up to play in the World Cup. We made it to the Asia Cup quarter finals, but this year, it is a whole new game. We are excited to have found a sponsor and supporters, so we can get the best equipment and playing conditions for practice. We literally have no facility for professional paintball in India, but with the help of our supporters, we intend to win and are hoping that the whole of India watches while we do.”
Explaining why the game doesn’t have too many ardent supporters, he says, “The sport can be slightly expensive and that makes it less accessible to have paintball arenas in the country. But it can also be the best drug for the body and mind,” adding, that the game can be highly addictive, once it is taken seriously.
And one can imagine the adrenaline rush the game can provide, when we know that it’s got even businesswoman Roshni Hemdev hooked on to it. Roshni is a part of the Indian contingent, and plays as a forward for the team. “In the pit and behind the mask, male or female doesn’t matter. It only depends on how good a team is and how badly they want to win. Paintball is one such sport that doesn’t discriminate. I hope next year we can have an all-women team!” she exclaims.
Playing on international platforms helps Indians understand the game better, elaborates Roshni. “For those who do not want to go for clichéd or common sports, and still have their hearts racing, this is perfect.
The game empowers you, when you’re shooting your opponents. It allows for you to interact with players from across the world, who are extremely competitive and fierce once they put their masks on — but are highly friendly once they take it off,” Roshni signs off, hoping to win paintball honours for the country soon!
