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| Highest governing body | International Rocket Ball Council (IRBC) |
|---|---|
| First played | 2002, Tamil Nadu, India |
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Yes |
| Team members | 10 players per side |
| Type | Team sport |
| Venue | Indoor or outdoor court (40 × 20 m) |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | India and South Asia (developing) |
Rocketball is a team ball sport that originated in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu in 2002. It is played on a 40 × 20 metre court by two teams that attempt to score points by throwing a ball at a central post. The game was devised by Gopala Krishnan and has been promoted through national-level competitions in India.[1][2]
History
editRocketball was created in Tamil Nadu in 2002 by Gopala Krishnan.[1] It began as an informal indoor game and was later organised into a codified sport. Efforts to formalise the game included the formation of the International Rocket Ball Council (IRBC) to act as a global governing body and the Rocket Ball Federation of India (RBFI) to manage the sport nationally.[2]
Gameplay
editRocketball is played by two teams. Players score by throwing a lightweight ball at a vertical post in the opponent’s half of the court. - **2 points** are awarded if the ball hits the post and touches the ground. - **4 points** are awarded if the ball hits the post and is caught by a teammate before touching the ground. If an opposing player catches the ball after it hits the post, the thrower is declared out. Players who are out remain on the field but may only defend.
Competitions
editThe RBFI organises national youth tournaments in India. The first Under-19 boys’ and girls’ national championship was held in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, from 28 to 30 June 2024.[1] A second national championship took place in Puducherry on 26–28 September 2025.[2]
Governing bodies
editThe Rocket Ball Federation of India (RBFI) regulates and promotes the sport nationally under the Societies Registration Act, 1860. International coordination is provided by the International Rocket Ball Council (IRBC), which affiliates national federations and seeks to expand the game to other countries.
Development and adoption
editRocketball has been demonstrated in several Indian educational institutions. Pondicherry University conducted an orientation programme on the sport in 2024.[3] Bharathidasan University’s Department of Physical Education listed Rocketball activities in its 2022–2023 annual report.[4] The Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University has featured Rocketball images on its website.[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Kanyakumari Man Gopala Krishnan Introduces a New Sport Called Rocket Ball". Ananda Vikatan Sports (in Tamil). 2024-08-28. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ a b c "Rocket Ball — New Sport Invented in India". Topend Sports. 2024-09-10. Retrieved 2025-10-07.
- ^ "Orientation Program on Rocket Ball – PUCC Lawspet". Pondicherry University. 2024-09-18. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "Physical Education Department Activities 2022–2023 (Page 8)" (PDF). Bharathidasan University. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
- ^ "Rocket Ball image uploaded by Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University". Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University. TNPESU. Retrieved 2025-10-08.
