The athletes of the Karnataka Jump Rope Association in Hospete in the newly-created Vijayanagara district proved that they had both in abundance – the association has written itself into the record books, with the athletes performing Double Dutch for 36 hours on the trot. Two players skip, step, hop, and even twirl among the whirling ropes, all in perfect synchrony lest one topple over and end the game known as Double Dutch. Consequently, the achievement has entered the Limca Book of Records, while the president and vice-president of the Guinness World Records have registered the feat, virtually.
The previous record for consecutive Double Dutch performance was set in Chhattisgarh for 24 hours. Participants, coaches, and organisers waved the National Flag at the Sai Leela Ranga Mandira after it was announced that the feat had gone down in history. Kannada songs were played, and people celebrated by dancing to the music.
Event drew 798 players from 19 different states
The Karnataka Jump Rope Federation, Karnataka Jump Rope Association, and Vikas Bank, Hosapete collaborated to put on the event. The event drew 798 players from 19 different Indian states, with 52 teams participating.
“This event was organised as part of Vikas Bank’s silver jubilee celebrations. Initially, we were doubtful if we could achieve the goal. But the athletes achieved the feat,” said president of Karnataka Jump Rope Association, Vishwanath Hiremath.
Secretary of the association, Abdul Razzaq Tailor, said that the jumpers from the state accounted for a majority of the 798 athletes. “It is a great opportunity to host such a big event. It is very difficult to keep jumping for 36 hours. Finally, we have achieved our goal, with the support of players, coaches, managers, et al,” he said.
Jump rope coach, Mohammad Rafiq Nadaf said that three teams performed simultaneously on as many courts. “Each team performed for four-and-a-half minutes, and they jumped once every four hours,” he added.
