Chennai, July 21 : In a bid to popularize beach volleyball, Tamil Nadu capital Chennai played host to India's first ever-International Beach Volleyball Championship from July 15 to 20.

Brazil won the title in the men's section while the eves from Thailand were crowned the winners in women's event.

Klepper Feitosa and Luizao Correa of Brazil and Jarunee Sannok and Usa Tenpaksee from Thailand were crowned the winners.

The championship, which was organized by the Beach Volleyball Club, was held at the world famous Marina Beach in Chennai. It was sponsored by the public sector Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited.

Eleven Indian teams, including four women teams, competed in a strong field of 60 teams from 21 countries.

'It is very good. We have been winners for the first time and it is for the first time that we have come here," said Sannok, Thailand team members

The six day long tournament offered a total prize money of 40,000 US dollars in the men's section and 6400 US dollars in the women's event.

"We are happy. We are first time in Chennai, India. This tournament is very important for us because this is second tournament together. We have to go back to Brazil because we have a tournament. This tournament is very different because the temperament, the people everything is different," said Luizao, the Men's Champion in the tournament.

The President of Volleyball Federation, Sivanthi Adityan and Minister of State for Housing Development, Suba Thankavelan gave the awards to the winners.

ANI