NewZNew (Chandigarh) : VX a sport originating from UK and which was previously known as Rock-it-ball was launched in India at Chandigarh in Jan 2015 when a camp of the same was held here. Top representatives of VX Global are currently on a visit to Chandigarh to conduct a training camp for players who will participate in the VX World Championships 2015 that will take place in Yorkshire(England) from August 14-16. These details were shared by Dr.Paul Michael Hildreth, Head Coach of England & Director of VX International and Thomas Gordon Leslie Hildreth, England Captain and Former World Champion in V2 ( Singles VX event) with the media at a press meet organized by VX India. VX India has its headquarters in Chandigarh and has been given National Governing Body recognition by VX Global.
“VX is a very new sport for India so we are here to help prepare players for participation in the World Championship. The sport was launched in England in 2006 and is already being played in 24 countries, 14 out of which have National Governing Bodies and India is included in this. The training camp is taking place at the Lake Club Squash Courts and at The British School, Sec 44, Chandigarh which has also been designated as the National VX Academy for the sport in India.” Said Dr Paul Michael Hilderth. “We at The British School, Chandigarh have always been trying to promote sports. When VX India asked us to support the fledgling sport we immediately agreed and threw open our school’s infrastructure to create the National VX Academy.” Said Mrs. Mona Sethi, Director, The British School, Chandigarh.
In VX, the V signifies 5 players on one side each and X points towards a game involving 10 players in all. This version of 5 players each on one side each playing with 5 balls is called VX. This is played in an area of the size of a basketball court. There are two more main formats of the game –V 2 Singles and V 4 Doubles both are played on a squash court. The basic concept of this game is that players have to use VStix to throw balls at opponents; the player throwing the ball earns one point if he hits the opponent with the ball. The opposing player needs to catch the ball hurled at him and if he succeeds he gets 3 points.
“10 Players in age 14-17 years in juniors, 10 in 18+ in Seniors and 2 players in 40+ in Masters category will be representing Indian Teams in the VX World Championship and we are providing training to them in Chandigarh.” Informed Mr. Thomas Gordon Leslie Hildreth, England Captain and Former World Champion in V2 ( Singles VX event).
Paul Michael Hilderth explained that there are no goals, no zones, no markings in this sport which has been a Godsend for Physically challenged players and also for Children suffering from neurological disorders like Autism, Down’s Syndrome .etc as this can be played easily by them.
Suman Shankar Tewari, CEO VX India. Adds, “In a short span of just 6 months after launch of the sport in India we have been able to make state units in Haryana, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh and Chattisgarh. The process of applying for Central Government recognition has started and all formalities of the same will be completed soon.”
The International experts said that the response to the game in India has been good and that they will work in close association with VX India to promote the game by raising awareness about it and also giving players training inputs. Media was informed that a batch of 17 coaches had been created already.
