The North America Throwball Federation (NATF), also known as the North America Sports Association (NASA), achieved a significant milestone by organizing the National Men’s and Women’s Throwball Tournament in Dallas on October 26. Conducted in collaboration with the International Throwball Federation (ITF) and the Telugu Association of North America (TANA), the event marked the growing prominence of throwball across North America.
NATF President Manu Gondi, Vice President Vasantha Kauri, ITF North America Vice President Tejesh Rajappa, and TANA Sports Coordinator Naga Panchumarthi played pivotal roles in ensuring the success of the tournament. Naga Panchumarthi's leadership and dedication were instrumental in the event’s success, reflecting the growing collaboration between sports and cultural organizations. Media Coordinator Kavya Urukula also contributed by creating significant buzz around the tournament.
Key representatives from ITF, including Assistant Secretary-General Sampoorna Hegde and Technical Committee Convenor Ramu Pilli, traveled from India to attend the event. Their involvement added a professional edge, with Ramu Pilli serving as the chief coach. Sampoorna Hegde engaged players by highlighting the health benefits of throwball, such as improved blood circulation through acupressure, and discussed ongoing studies on how the sport helps seniors manage knee pain.
The event began at 9 AM with a Ganapati prayer, fostering a positive atmosphere, followed by the U.S. national anthem to honor the host nation. This meaningful start symbolized the blend of cultural respect and sportsmanship that defined the tournament.
Initially planned for 14 teams, the tournament expanded to accommodate 26 teams due to overwhelming interest. NATF organized the competition into three divisions, presenting trophies accordingly. Referees Ravi Krishna Mannam, Rupesh Ramana, Rohith Munipalli, Vivek Raja, and Nadia Khan provided insightful guidance, emphasizing player development and game integrity.
Sponsors strongly supported the event, particularly in promoting women’s empowerment, and the first-ever men's tournament added extra excitement. TANA leaders such as Regional Coordinator Paramesh Devineni, Counselor-at-Large Satish Kommana, and Board Director Malli Vemana attended and sponsored the event. Former TANA Sports Coordinator Shashank Yarlagadda, instrumental in uniting the NATF team, was also present.
A dedicated team of volunteers, including Swetha Bommareddy, Naveena Paras, Rohith Thota, Divya Gosha Mahal Sanatan, and others, ensured the smooth execution of the tournament. Under the guidance of Sreekanth Gumireddy, the website team facilitated live scores and online registration, enhancing the experience for players and fans.
Looking ahead, TANA and NATF announced their next tournament, scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. The collaboration continues to drive the growth of throwball across North America.