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A passion for netball
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Netball is not a high-profile sport, but there are those who take it seriously and give their best despite lack of proper publicity. N. Madhu, national player, tells us why he loves the game
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N. Madhu: giving netball a place in sport — Photo: K. Bhagya Prakash
SHY, UNASSUMING and self-conscious, national netball player, N. Madhu is anything but a "high profile sportsperson". Beneath his reticent exterior lies an iron-hearted athlete who is immensely passionate about his sport.
Madhu's association with this unlikely sport had an even more unlikely beginning: "As an adolescent, I began watching netball on T.V. and I took to the sport immediately," said Madhu in a reminiscent mood, in a conversation with The Hindu. While other kids his age were out on the field, he would sit at home and learn about his favourite sport by "watching how professionals play!"
Strangely enough, it was not until after his college days that he actually began playing netball. Madhu began his career by joining the Navjyothi Sports Club that went on to win the first ever State League Netball Championship in 1999. In no time, Madhu was selected into the Karnataka State team. Since Karnataka were the undisputed netball champions at that time, this was a big break for him. He was part of the team that won three Inter-State tournaments in a span of two years. Soon enough, the all-important call for national duty came by. "We won a gold medal at a tri-nation tournament involving Sri Lanka and Pakistan at Colombo in December 2000," said Madhu, with a great deal of pride.
All this apart, Madhu manages to make time to coach teams as well. The East West Public School team has won a State-level tournament under his guidance. So, how does he juggle playing and coaching? "We hold our practice sessions simultaneously. The children practice on one court and I practice on an adjacent court." As simple as that!
This wing defence player believes that height, speed, and fitness are the watchwords in netball. "I keep fit by doing yoga and working out at the gym." At 24, Madhu still has a long way to go, but he is already a "big time" achiever in this "small time" sport. But the popularity factor does not worry him. "It is an exciting sport and our Association is working towards getting further recognition."
In the seventh Junior National Netball tournament held in Bangalore recently, over 20 teams from around the country took part. "The numbers speak for themselves, don't they?"
When questioned about India's performance on the world stage, Madhu had this to say: "The Aussies rule the roost, but India is the number one team in Asia."
Madhu believes that he owes all his success to his parents. "They keep me going."
The one thing that Madhu hopes to achieve, but has eluded him for a long time now is the post of captain of the national netball team. "I am too young to be captain. Maybe in a few years time... "
FROM A CORRESPONDENT
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