Indian International paintball Event scheduled for 2011

After its maiden appearance at the Paintball World Cup Asia in Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia last year, India's National Paintball League (NPL) is set to host the NPL Indian International Open next year. The tournament will be held under the aegis of the European Paintball Federation (EPBF) referee association in Benglauru in February next year.
âThis is my first visit to Bengaluru and I will be helping out NPL in organising the event by conducting introductory sessions for referees,�? said Ulrich Stahr, head referee of the Millennium Series, which is one of the oldest and the largest paintball series in the world.
Affiliated with the Millennium Series, Stahr said the European Paintball Series strives in working on recognising the sport globally.
âPaintball is a popular sport world over, by hosting it in India we want to showcase the countryâs potential globally. We want India to become a popular destination for the sport,�? he said.
Known as the ârule bookâ of paintball, the German with 18 years of experience, will monitor the upcoming event by handling all necessary measures pertaining to the promotion of the game in various cities of the country.
âThe speed of the game has improved over the last few years. It is safe because thereâs no physical contact with other players and we are equipped with protective gear. There is no age bar so anyone can play. With over a billion people, I hope the sport develops in India and more players show interest towards it,�? said the Cologne-born former paintball player.
Compared to Malaysia, India has a lot of talent to be tapped. âThe sport is still growing in India. Thereâs a long way to go as far as developing the sport is concerned but Iâm sure the country can produce good players,�? he added.
More than 50 teams are expected to participate in the three-day international event. âWe will have teams from South-East Asian countries, Europe and America vying for top honours. Although the cash prize is not that alluring, players have the passion to play due to their love of the game,�? said Ulrich.
The qualifiers for the Open will be held in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Pune Kolkata and Hyderabad later this year.