Bossaball Launches in India with its One-of-a-Kind Concept

The ultimate mix of soccer tricks, volleyball skills and gymnastics topped with exotic tunes

Rohit Khandelwal’s SCK Sports brings Bossaball to India

by Shrutee K/DNS

Mumbai: Ever wanted to experience the fluid movements of capoeira (an Afro-Brazilian martial art), or beach volleyball? Are you a soccer fanatic or fancy some groovy dance moves? Well, you will feel constructively challenged by Bossaball, which seeks to amalgamate music and sport to get the best out of the two. A uniquely acrobatic and energetic team game, Bossaball - brainchild of Filip Eyckmans, launched in India for the first time. Bossaball International (by Filip) has collaborated with SCK Sports and Entertainment as a partner to bring Bossaball to India and tied up with Roots Football Academy. The exclusive one-day premiere witnessed a face-off match among the Indian team, as well as two international teams in the city of Mumbai. The evening saw a camaraderie of like-minded guests including Nandita Mahtani, Diva Dhavan, Gabriella Demetrius, Cindy Jourdain, Malvika Raaj and more.

Founded in 2005 in Spain, the sport is innovatively created and an effective full body workout. The word ‘Bossa’, translates to style, flair or attitude in Portuguese, is commonly associated with Bossa Nova - a samba influenced type of Brazilian music. The name Bossaball, thereby, fits perfectly as it aims to combine sports, music, positive vibes and great fun. Blending elements of volleyball, soccer and gymnastics, this distinct sport creates a dynamic atmosphere where the body movements flow harmoniously to the beat of the music. Bossaball events are spectacular and fun, not only for the players but for the audience to enthusiastically partake in.

The sport is played between two teams on a specially designed inflatable platform integrated with trampolines in the center which takes less than 45 minutes to set up, and upbeat Bossa Nova tunes that sets the rhythm of the game. The change in gravity, combined with the safety provided by the inflatable surface, allows a new range of techniques, team tactics and acrobatic movements to hit the ball with flips and turns in the air. One can enjoy a complete new kick of spiking down a ball from unseen heights or make dramatic dives and play the ball in creative ways. Bossaball is overseen by a “samba referee” who concurrently takes on the roles of Master of Ceremony and DJ.  Four players are positioned on each side of the net, while the attacker is gaining height on the trampoline, the other three players set up the rally with a maximum of five passes allowed. The trampoline jumpers’ goal is to ground the ball on the opposite side by spiking the ball with either his hand or foot, while the latter is awarded with extra points. Bossaball is for all ages with an exclusive program offering specific exercises for everyone to enjoy the sport from the very first moment on the court.

Shared Filip Eyckmans, Founder of Bossaball, “Having taken off in various countries like Belgium, Spain, Netherlands, Brazil, Latin America and others, we are looking forward to Bossaball’s success in India. We plan to set up a number of courts across Mumbai and target other tier 1 and tier 2 cities in the coming year. The sport is high energy and peppy that endeavors to create an entertaining and lively vibe. Get ready to experience the ultimate mélange of flexibility, agility, coordination and sport.” White Owl Brewery, Ace Blend and RAW Pressery were the sponsors for the launch event held at Razzberry Rhinoceros, Juhu.

About Filip Eyckmans: Bossaball Sports S.L., was founded in 2005 by Filip Eyckmans, a Belgian polyglot who has been residing in Spain for more than 10 years. As a youngster, he was a tennis player in the national team of Belgium spending his remaining free time attending soccer matches and DJ-ing at private parties. Former manager of music bands such as Vive la Fete and dEUS, Filip Eyckmans often travelled to Brazil where he was overwhelmed by the Afro-Brazilian phenomenon capoeira on a suburb square of Recife. While enjoying the fantastic late afternoon vibes on Brazil's beaches where soccer, volleyball, dance and music smoothly fused together, Filip started to stir up his cocktail of music and sports. Looking for a fusion of different body techniques, he developed his ideas and became the inventor of Bossaball, the ultimate mix of soccer, volleyball and gymnastics. In 2016, the headquarters of Bossaball collaborated with the International Volleyball Federation FIVB and displayed the new sport during the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, right in the heart of the panoramic Copacabana beach. The especially organized Bossaball tournament featured five national teams and highlighted the FIVB’s activities on the Copacabana. Of the team of the Netherlands, who took home the win in Brazil, one player will take part in the Bossaball launch in India.

About SCK Sports and Entertainment: SCK Sports and Entertainment LLP was started by Rohit Khandelwal in February 2017, which primarily focusses on recreational, cultural and sporting activities. Rohit is the founder & owner, and is involved in day to day operations and management of the Indian team as well as bringing Bossaball to India.