Ooty: ‘Mud Football’ is a football game that is played on mud ground, unlike usual football games. As it was an adrenaline rush to players who indulge in mud football, the football players in and around Gudalur have begun to show interest towards this sort of game, the place which was famous for football.
Ooty: ‘Mud Football’ is a football game that is played on mud ground, unlike usual football games. As it was an adrenaline rush to players who indulge in mud football, the football players in and around Gudalur have begun to show interest towards this sort of game, the place which was famous for football.
Football is the commonly played sport in Gudalur as many players have emerged from this region. Sabeeth, a well-known football player who had played for the clubs FC Goa and Kerala Blasters in ISL league is from Gudalur. Likewise, many players have emerged from Gudalur and have accomplished in various football matches. Meanwhile, the youngsters and football players in Gudalur are keen towards ‘Mud football’ which is popular in Kerala. The game will be played in the ground structure that has the nature of the land which is utilized for seedling planting. Mud football is dangerous and threatening unlike other forms of football as players would suffer from obscure vision as the mud could spray into their eyes. The rules for this game also differ from other forms of football.
Though mud football league held at the private Nilgiris Arts and Science college located near the Tamil Nadu-Kerala border last year, it gained popularity among the people of Nilgiris only during this year. Following the immense interest of the residents here, a two-day mud football league was conducted at Gudalur. Four teams from Gudalur and four teams from Wayanad district in Kerala participated in the league. Teams from Gudalur and Thalur reached to the finals of the league. Thaalur brothers emerged as winners in finals by winning the penalty shoot by 1-0. The winning team was handed over with trophy and cash prize.
Speaking on the speciality of the game, the coaches of the game said, Mud football is quite difficult from usual means of football games. Due to the mud and water that was filled in the ground, it is difficult to pass the ball to the fellow player. Players who had proper practice could only play the game. The game will also help players to improve their physical fitness.
They also added that they have planned to bring more teams in the mud football league that is planned for next year.