Mahal Volley Champion isn't just a mobile game, bhai β it's a desi volleyball revolution in your pocket! Developed by the brilliant minds at Mumbai-based PixelPulse Studios, this game has taken India by storm since its grand launch in 2023.
What makes Mahal Volley Champion special? It's simple β this game breathes Indian culture in every pixel. From the moment you open it, you'll feel like you're in a local volleyball tournament in your hometown, with all the excitement, drama, and desi tadka that comes with it.
Whether you're waiting for your chai at the corner tapri or chilling at home after a long day, Mahal Volley Champion gives you that perfect dose of entertainment. With over 100 million downloads across India, it's clear β this game isn't just played, it's lived!
Mahal Volley Champion is India's first truly localized volleyball mobile game, designed specifically for the Indian audience. Developed over two years by a team of 40+ developers, designers, and volleyball enthusiasts, it launched in beta in March 2023 before its nationwide release in July 2023.
The name "Mahal" brings that royal Indian touch β like playing in a grand palace of sports β while "Volley Champion" speaks to the competitive spirit that drives every match. Unlike generic international sports games that add a few Indian flags and call it a day, this game was built from the ground up with India in mind.
PixelPulse Studios spent months traveling across India, from the volleyball courts of Kolkata's Maidan to the beaches of Goa, studying local playing styles, cultural nuances, and what Indian gamers really want. The result? A game that feels familiar yet exciting, challenging yet accessible.
One of the key promises of Mahal Volley Champion is inclusivity. The developers made sure that players from every corner of India β whether you're from a big city or a small village β would see themselves reflected in the game. This commitment to representation has made it a favorite across all demographics.
Another standout feature is its optimization for Indian mobile networks and devices. Even with patchy 4G or budget smartphones (under βΉ8,000), the game runs smoothly β a crucial factor for its widespread popularity in rural and semi-urban areas.
At its heart, Mahal Volley Champion follows the basic rules of volleyball, but with some fun desi twists! Each team has 6 players, and the goal is to hit the ball over the net so that it lands in the opponent's court.
Sets are played to 21 points (instead of the international 25) to keep matches fast-paced β perfect for mobile gaming! You need a 2-point lead to win, and most matches are best-of-3 sets. This shorter format means you can enjoy a full match during your lunch break or while commuting.
The controls are designed for Indian mobile users, with simple gestures that feel intuitive:
β Swipe up to hit or spike the ball
β Tap to jump for blocks
β Swipe left/right to move your player
β Hold and release to aim your serves
Even if you've never played a volleyball game before, you'll get the hang of it in 5 minutes. But don't worry β mastering the advanced moves (like the "Gully Spike" or "Desi Dink") takes skill, keeping the game challenging for pros!
Mahal Volley Champion offers a variety of game modes to suit every player's style and schedule:
Quick Match (Jaldi Match): Perfect for when you have 5-10 minutes free. Jump into a single set against AI or real players. Great for a quick dose of fun during ad breaks or while waiting for your bus!
Career Mode (Apna Safar): This is where the depth lies! Create your own player, choose your home state, and start from local tournaments. Work your way up through district, state, and national levels to become the ultimate Mahal Volley Champion.
Along the way, you'll unlock new skills, jerseys, and even recruit players from other states. The career mode has over 50 unique tournaments and 100+ challenges, keeping you engaged for months.
Multiplayer (Dost vs Dost): Play with friends or random players across India. You can form 6-player teams or try the popular 2v2 beach volleyball mode. The in-game chat supports 10+ Indian languages, so you can trash-talk in your mother tongue!
Festival Specials (Tyohaar Mela): Limited-time modes that coincide with Indian festivals. These have unique rules and rewards β like playing with a glowing ball during Diwali or color explosions during Holi.
Regional Leagues (Desh ka Match): Represent your state in weekly leagues. Top performers get their state flag displayed on the national leaderboard β bragging rights, Indian style!
One of the most loved features of Mahal Volley Champion is the ability to create a player that looks and plays like you (or your ideal self!). The customization options are deeply rooted in Indian diversity:
Choose from 20+ face types inspired by different Indian ethnicities, then deck out your player in regional attire:
β Punjabi players can wear colorful turbans, kurta-pajamas, and phulkaris
β Tamil players have options for veshti, angavastram, and traditional jewelry
β Bengali players can sport dhoti-kurta with Kolkata-style sneakers
β Gujarati players get vibrant bandhani jerseys and kedias
β North East players have options for traditional shawls and hats
But it's not just about looks β each region's players have unique abilities that reflect local strengths:
β Punjabi players: Powerful spikes (think bhangra energy!)
β Bengali players: Quick reflexes for defense
β Tamil players: Precise serves (like a well-aimed arrow!)
β Rajasthani players: Excellent blocking (strong as a fort wall!)
β Kerala players: Agile movements (like they're dancing on the court!)
You can mix and match these abilities by forming diverse teams β a strategy that top players swear by!
Unlike most mobile games that offer only English and Hindi, Mahal Volley Champion speaks your language β literally! It supports 18 Indian languages, ensuring that players from all corners feel at home:
Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Punjabi, Odia, Assamese, Urdu, Kashmiri, Nepali, Konkani, Manipuri, Bhojpuri, and Rajasthani.
The in-game commentary is where this really shines. Imagine spiking the ball and hearing, "Wah! Kya shot mara hai tu ne!" in Hindi, or "Adhu romba mass! Semma thimiru!" in Tamil β it's like having your local coach cheering you on!
Even the tutorials are localized, with region-specific examples. For instance, in Punjab, passing the ball is compared to tossing a lassi glass without spilling it, while in Bengal, it's like balancing a plate of puchka without breaking it. These little touches make learning the game feel personal.
Mahal Volley Champion doesn't just translate text β it celebrates India's diversity through visual and gameplay elements that vary by region:
North India: Stadiums feature Mughal architecture with domes and jali work. The crowd chants "Bole So Nihal!" during exciting moments. Special events include Lohri bonfire celebrations near the court.
South India: Courts are decorated with kolam patterns, and temple gopurams loom in the background. The audience sings traditional Carnatic or Tamil folk songs during breaks. Pongal celebrations bring sugarcane and banana leaf decorations.
East India: Venues showcase terracotta art and bamboo structures. During Durga Puja, the court is surrounded by pandal-like decorations. The crowd plays dhak drums when a player scores a winning point.
West India: Stadiums feature vibrant rangolis and Gujarati embroidery. During Navratri, players can wear garba-inspired jerseys, and the crowd claps to dandiya beats between sets.
North East India: Courts are surrounded by traditional huts and greenery. Players can wear colorful shawls, and the commentary includes phrases from local languages like Assamese and Manipuri.
These regional variations mean that when you travel across India in the game, it feels like visiting a new place β with all the cultural richness that entails.
Indians live for festivals, and Mahal Volley Champion embraces this wholeheartedly. The game transforms completely during major festivals, offering unique experiences you won't find anywhere else:
Diwali Special: The entire game gets a festive makeover! Stadiums are lit with diyas and fairy lights. The volleyball glows like a sparkler, leaving a trail of light when hit. Special "Lakshmi Coins" can be collected to unlock gold-plated jerseys and firecracker celebrations for winning points.
During Diwali, you might even hear the commentator say, "Is spike ne to poori duniya ko roshni di hai β jaisa ki Diwali ka deepak!" (This spike has lit up the whole world β like a Diwali lamp!)
Holi Celebrations: The court becomes a riot of colors! Diving for the ball leaves a colorful streak, and hitting special "gulal power-ups" covers the opponent's side in colored powder, making it harder for them to see. Players can unlock Holi-themed gulaal guns that "color" opponents when they score.
Pongal/Makar Sankranti: Kites fill the sky above the stadium, and the net is decorated with sugarcane. A special mode lets you hit the ball through kite strings for bonus points. Winning matches earns you "pongal pots" that can be exchanged for traditional South Indian attire.
Eid Special: Stadiums are decorated with crescent moons and stars. Players can unlock festive kurtas and topis. The commentator uses phrases like "Yeh point to Eid ka meetha ho gaya!" (This point became as sweet as Eid sweets!)
Since its launch in July 2023, Mahal Volley Champion has achieved phenomenal success across India. As of October 2025, the game has crossed 120 million downloads β a staggering number that makes it one of the most popular mobile games in the country.
Breaking it down by platform:
β Google Play Store: 98 million downloads
β Apple App Store: 22 million downloads
This dominance on Android reflects its popularity across all economic segments, as the game runs smoothly even on budget devices β a key factor in its success beyond India's major cities.
Top Downloading States (2025) β Millions:
1. Maharashtra β 22.4
2. Tamil Nadu β 18.7
3. Karnataka β 14.2
4. Uttar Pradesh β 13.5
5. West Bengal β 10.1
6. Gujarat β 8.3
7. Punjab β 6.9
8. Kerala β 5.8
9. Rajasthan β 4.6
10. Andhra Pradesh β 4.1
What's remarkable is the game's penetration in rural areas, which account for 42% of its total downloads. This is largely due to its small size (under 120MB) and optimization for low-data usage β crucial features in areas with limited internet connectivity.
Player engagement is equally impressive, with an average daily active user (DAU) count of 18 million. The average time spent per user is 42 minutes daily β significantly higher than the mobile gaming industry average of 28 minutes.
Regional tournaments and festival events drive massive spikes in engagement. During the 2024 Diwali event, the game saw 32 million daily active users, with players collectively spending over 1.2 billion minutes in a single day!
Mahal Volley Champion has earned widespread acclaim from Indian players, reflected in its impressive ratings:
β Google Play Store: 4.8/5 (from 5.2 million reviews)
β Apple App Store: 4.9/5 (from 1.1 million reviews)
Let's hear what real Indian players have to say about their experience:
Positive Reviews:
"Finally, a game that understands our culture! The Bengali commentary during Durga Puja makes me feel like I'm at a local tournament in Kolkata. My family of 5 plays together every evening β it's become our new bonding activity." β Sourav, Kolkata
"I'm from a small village in Punjab. This game runs perfectly on my old Redmi phone. I love how I can represent Punjab with my turban and kurta. The bhangra celebration after winning a match always makes me smile!" β Manpreet, Bathinda
"As a volleyball coach in Chennai, I'm impressed by how realistic the gameplay is. I even use it to teach basic techniques to my students! The Tamil version helps them understand instructions better. Great job, developers!" β Karthik, Chennai
"The regional variations are mind-blowing! When I visited my grandparents in Kerala, I switched to Malayalam and was shocked to hear local slang in the commentary. It's like the game knows exactly where I am!" β Aisha, Mumbai (originally from Kochi)
"My 65-year-old father never played video games before, but he loves Mahal Volley Champion! He uses the Hindi version and says it's easy to understand. We now play every weekend β it's brought us closer." β Priya, Delhi
Constructive Feedback:
"Multiplayer can get laggy in rural areas with poor internet. Please optimize for 2G/3G connections β many of us don't have access to good 4G!" β Ravi, Bihar
"I wish there were more customization options for North East players. We have such rich cultural attire that would look amazing in the game!" β Jitumoni, Assam
"Too many ads in the free version. I would happily pay βΉ50 per month for an ad-free experience. Please consider this!" β Anjali, Ahmedabad
The development team at PixelPulse Studios is known for actively responding to player feedback. Many suggestions, like the addition of Bhojpuri language support and more North East customization options, have been implemented in recent updates β showing their commitment to making the game truly for all Indians.
New to Mahal Volley Champion? These tips from top Indian players will help you get started on the right foot:
Master the Basics First: Focus on serving and passing before trying fancy spikes. A well-placed serve (aim for the corners!) can win you easy points against new players.
Remember β in gully volleyball, the best players aren't always the ones who hit hardest, but those who never miss a pass!
Choose Your Region Wisely: Start with a player from your home region. You'll intuitively understand their strengths (like Punjabi power or Bengali agility) and enjoy the cultural references more.
Play the Tutorial: Don't skip it! The tutorial uses examples from Indian daily life (like tossing a chapati or balancing a glass of chai) to explain techniques β making it easy to understand.
Practice in Quick Matches: Spend your first week playing Quick Matches against AI. This helps you get comfortable with controls without the pressure of multiplayer competition.
Collect Daily Rewards: Log in every day to claim free coins and items. The 7-day streak reward gives you a free regional jersey β perfect for showing off your pride!
Ready to move from casual player to Mahal Volley Champion? These advanced strategies from India's top players will help you dominate the court:
The Gully Fake: This classic street volleyball move works wonders in the game! Pretend to spike (swipe up fast), but at the last moment, tap gently to drop the ball just over the net. Opponents will jump to block, leaving the court wide open β easy point!
Regional Team Combos: The best teams mix players from different regions. Try these deadly combinations:
β Punjabi spiker + Bengali defender + Tamil server (balanced attack-defense-serve)
β Rajasthani blocker + Kerala agility player + Gujarati all-rounder (solid defense with quick counterattacks)
Festival Event Hacks: Learn to use festival mechanics to your advantage:
β Diwali: Hit the glowing diyas on the court for bonus power β your next spike will be unblockable!
β Holi: Use color bursts to temporarily blind opponents before spiking
β Pongal: Serve through kite strings for extra points and to slow down the opponent's return
Read the Crowd: The in-game crowd reacts to plays before they happen! If you see the crowd leaning left, the opponent is likely to hit there β adjust your position accordingly.
Energy Management: Don't waste powerful spikes early in sets. Save your "Power Moves" for crucial points (like when the score is tied or you need a 2-point lead to win).
Want to unlock cool jerseys, powerful players, and special moves without spending money? Here's how Indian players maximize their resources in Mahal Volley Champion:
Daily Login Streaks: The most reliable way to get free stuff! A 30-day streak gives you a rare "Regional Legend" player β these are some of the best in the game.
Regional Challenges: Complete challenges that reflect your culture, like "Score 10 spikes using a Punjabi player during Lohri" or "Win 5 matches with a Tamil player during Pongal." These give 2x rewards!
Clan Participation: Join a clan to get 25% extra coins from all matches. Clan wars on weekends have huge prize pools β even losing clans get consolation rewards.
Watch Ads Strategically: Instead of skipping ads, watch them when you're low on energy or coins. Most ad rewards give 50-100 coins or 1 energy refill β worth the 30 seconds!
Festival Events: Never miss these! They offer exclusive items you can't get any other time. During Diwali 2024, players who collected all 15 "diya tokens" got a free golden jersey that's now a status symbol in the game.
Refer Friends: The referral program gives both you and your friend 500 coins when they download and play for a week. It's easy to share via WhatsApp β most Indian players use this to build their coin stash.
Every month, Mahal Volley Champion hosts state-specific tournaments where players represent their home state. These are fiercely competitive and deeply patriotic events!
Maharashtra Krida Mahotsav: Held in March, this tournament features teams from Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and Aurangabad. The winner's state flag flies atop the virtual Wankhede Stadium for a month, and players get a "Chhatrapati Shivaji" inspired jersey.
Winners also receive a real-life gift hamper of Maharashtrian snacks β modak, vada pav mix, and masala chai β delivered to their home (anywhere in India!).
Tamil Nadu Thalaiva Trophy: January's big event, timed with Pongal. Players compete for a virtual "golden pongal pot" that grants special powers in-game. The winning player's name is displayed on a virtual "Wall of Fame" in Chennai's M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.
Bengal Durga Challenge: During October (Durga Puja), players compete in pandal-themed stadiums. The court is decorated with Durga idols, and the crowd chants "Joy Durga Ma!" during exciting plays. Winners get "dhaki" drum sounds for their spikes β one of the most coveted items in the game.
Punjab Bhangra Cup: Celebrating Baisakhi in April, this tournament features bhangra music during breaks. Players can unlock special turbans and kurta designs. The final match is broadcast live on the game's YouTube channel, with thousands watching!
Each state tournament has unique rules that reflect local culture. For example, in Gujarat's Navratri tournament, players must hit the ball 9 times (representing the 9 days of Navratri) before scoring to get bonus points.
The biggest events in Mahal Volley Champion are the national festival celebrations, which bring players from all states together:
Diwali Dhamaka: This 15-day event is the most popular in the game's calendar. Players collect "diya tokens" by winning matches, which can be exchanged for exclusive items like gold-plated jerseys, firecracker celebrations, and even a virtual "Lakshmi idol" that brings good luck in matches.
The grand finale is the "Diwali Cup" β a nationwide tournament with over 5 million participants. The winner gets a real 2-gram gold coin delivered to their home, along with a permanent "Diwali Champion" badge in the game.
Holi High Spirits: For 10 days around Holi, the game transforms into a colorful celebration. Players can "color" opponents by spiking near them, temporarily slowing their movements. Special "gulal power-ups" create colorful explosions that obscure the opponent's view.
The event ends with a "Rang Barse" tournament where the court changes color after every point. The winner gets a "Rainbow Spike" ability that leaves a colorful trail β visible to all players in the game for a month.
Independence Day Unity Cup: From August 1-15, players compete as "Team India" with mixed regional teams. The goal is to promote national unity, with players from different states forced to work together.
Winning matches unlocks pieces of the "Tricolor Jersey" β the most prestigious item in Mahal Volley Champion. Only players who collect all 3 pieces (saffron, white, green) can wear it, and it's visible to everyone in multiplayer matches.
Republic Day Parade: January 26 features a special parade of regional teams in the game's main stadium. Players can vote for their favorite regional team, with the winner getting a special "Republic Day Champion" title.
Clans are the heart of Mahal Volley Champion's community. These groups of up to 50 players bond over their love for the game and their region, creating a sense of belonging that keeps players coming back.
Most clans are based on states or languages, with names that reflect their identity:
β "Maharashtra Mavens"
β "Tamil Thalaivas"
β "Bengal Tigers"
β "Punjab Lions"
β "Gujarat Garudas"
Clans compete in weekly wars where they earn points for their group. Top clans get their name displayed on the national leaderboard, along with rewards like exclusive jerseys and clan coins that can be shared among members.
Clan chat supports all 18 languages, allowing members to communicate in their mother tongue. Many clans have developed their own traditions, like pre-war "prayers" (in regional styles) or post-victory celebrations.
What's truly special is how these virtual communities have translated into real-life connections. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, and Kolkata, clan members regularly organize offline meetups where they play real volleyball in local parks β turning digital friends into real ones.
The "Clan Meetup" feature in the game even helps organize these events, with tools to find local volleyball courts and coordinate schedules.
The Mahal Volley Champion community is highly active across social media platforms, with millions of players engaging daily:
Facebook Groups: The official group has over 4.5 million members, with regional subgroups (like "Mahal Volley Champion Kerala Fans") each boasting 300k+ members. These groups share tips, organize friendly matches, and even debate which regional team is the best!
WhatsApp Communities: Tens of thousands of WhatsApp groups exist, with most organized by state or language. These groups are incredibly active, with players coordinating matches, sharing achievement screenshots, and even helping each other with real-life problems (like finding a local volleyball coach).
YouTube Channels: Indian content creators have built massive audiences around the game. Channels like "Volley Bhai" (Hindi), "Champion Chechi" (Malayalam), and "Thalaiva Volley" (Tamil) have 2-3 million subscribers each, posting gameplay tutorials, tournament highlights, and funny moments.
The game's official YouTube channel hosts live streams of major tournaments, with commentary in multiple languages. The 2024 Diwali Cup final was watched by over 1.2 million viewers β a record for an Indian mobile game.
Instagram & Reels: Short gameplay clips and trick shots go viral regularly. The #MahalVolleyChampion hashtag has over 8 billion views, with players showing off their best moves, custom jerseys, and festival event highlights.
The Mahal Volley Champion community is full of inspiring stories of how the game has brought people together across India's diverse landscape:
The Kashmir Connection: A clan from Srinagar called "Kashmir Kings" started during the 2023 floods. Unable to meet in person, they bonded over the game, playing daily to cope with the difficult situation. When floods hit again in 2024, they organized a charity tournament in the game, raising βΉ12 lakhs for relief efforts β all through in-game donations!
Grandparents & Grandkids: 72-year-old Mr. Patel from Ahmedabad learned to use a smartphone specifically to play with his 14-year-old grandson in Canada. They play every weekend, with Mr. Patel using the Gujarati version. "It's not just about the game," he says. "It's how we stay connected. He teaches me new moves, I tell him stories about our culture."
Women's Empowerment: "Sherni Spikers" is an all-women clan with over 10,000 members across India. They organize weekly "Girls Only" tournaments and have inspired many members to join real-life volleyball teams. Five of their members have even gone on to play at the state level β a direct result of their confidence from the game!
Cross-Border Friendship: A unique story of players from India and Pakistan connecting through the game's Urdu language option. They organize monthly "Friendship Matches" and have even started a peace initiative within the game, encouraging players from both countries to compete respectfully.
Rural Development: In a village in Odisha with limited sports facilities, the local youth started a Mahal Volley Champion club. They meet in the community center to play the game on shared smartphones, then go outside to practice real volleyball skills they learned. The village now has a proper volleyball court, built with funds raised through in-game tournaments!
One of the keys to Mahal Volley Champion's success is its accessibility across a wide range of mobile devices, including budget smartphones commonly used in India:
Android Requirements:
β Minimum: Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or higher, 1GB RAM, 120MB free storage
β Recommended: Android 8.0 or higher, 2GB RAM, 200MB free storage
Works smoothly on popular budget Android devices like:
β Xiaomi Redmi 9 and above
β Samsung Galaxy M12 and above
β Realme C21 and above
β Motorola Moto G Power and above
iOS Requirements:
β Minimum: iOS 11.0 or later, compatible with iPhone 6s and later, iPad Air 2 and later
β Recommended: iOS 14.0 or later, iPhone 8 and later
The game is optimized for both portrait and landscape modes, though most Indian players prefer portrait for one-handed play β perfect for commuting or playing while eating!
For players with limited data, there's a "Low Data Mode" that reduces graphics quality and disables non-essential animations, using up to 70% less data than standard mode.
The development team at PixelPulse Studios is committed to keeping Mahal Volley Champion fresh with regular updates. Here's their update schedule:
Weekly Updates: Small bug fixes and balance adjustments, usually released on Tuesdays around 2 AM IST (to minimize disruption during peak playing hours).
Monthly Updates: New events, minor features, and seasonal content (like new festival items or regional challenges).
Quarterly Major Updates: Big new features, game modes, or character additions, usually announced 2 weeks in advance through social media and in-game messages.
Recent major updates include:
"North East Expansion" (April 2024): Added 5 new North East states with unique players, jerseys, and stadiums. Included Manipuri and Assamese language support, plus Bamboo Court β a new game mode inspired by traditional North East sports.
"Pro League" (July 2024): Introduced a competitive ranked mode with cash prizes for top players (available to players 18+). This mode uses a fair matchmaking system to ensure balanced competition.
"Legends of Volleyball" (October 2024): Added playable characters based on real Indian volleyball legends like Jimmy George, Balwant Singh, and Rekha Priyadarshini. Each has their signature moves recreated in the game.
"Village Championship" (January 2025): New rural-themed game mode with village-style courts, local commentary, and challenges inspired by gully volleyball. Proved incredibly popular in small towns and villages.
Maintenance periods are announced 48 hours in advance, and players receive compensation (usually 100 coins and 1 energy refill) for any downtime longer than 2 hours.
The developers have big plans for Mahal Volley Champion over the next few years, with a focus on deepening its connection to Indian culture and community:
VR Experience (2026): A virtual reality version is in development, allowing players to experience volleyball in immersive 3D. Imagine standing in a virtual Eden Gardens or Chennai Stadium, with the crowd cheering in your language!
The VR version will support popular affordable VR headsets available in India, making it accessible to most players.
Women's League (March 2026): Launching on International Women's Day, this dedicated league will feature female teams, players, and tournaments inspired by India's women's volleyball stars. It will include new female-centric customization options and challenges.
School Program (2026): Partnering with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, PixelPulse plans to introduce Mahal Volley Champion in 5,000 schools across India. The program will use the game to teach volleyball basics, teamwork, and sportsmanship, with inter-school tournaments both in-game and in real life.
Regional Tournaments (2025-2026): Plans to host real-world tournaments in 10 major Indian cities, with the finals broadcast on national TV. Winners will get a chance to have their likenesses added as playable characters in the game.
βΉ20 Crore Esports League (2027): India's biggest mobile gaming tournament yet, with a massive prize pool and celebrity participants. The league will be broadcast on sports channels and streaming platforms, taking Mahal Volley Champion to mainstream audiences.
More Regional Content: The team plans to add even more regional variations, including special content for smaller states and union territories like Goa, Puducherry, and Ladakh.
These ambitious plans show that Mahal Volley Champion is more than just a game β it's becoming a cultural phenomenon that celebrates India's diversity through the universal language of sports.