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Throwing up a challenge

The Kovai Volleyball Academy is on the lookout for more players

Photo M. Periasamy

THE ONES For the future

The first phase is over. Thirty-five boys, 18 from Kerala and the rest from Tamil Nadu, went through tough physical and mental exercises chalked out by the Indian volleyball coach G.E. Sridharan and former international star V.C. Ramalingam at the Sri Krishna Arts and Science College campus here recently. Eleven of these boys were found fit enough to earn a place in the Kovai Volleyball Academy (KVA), which is all set to start its programme in July this year.

The selections were conducted as per national standards. "We followed a strict procedure, exactly the way we did while picking up the boys for the national camp," says Sridharan. "We had physical fitness tests comprising 20m dash for speed, shuttle run for agility, standing broad jump to check the lower extremity and medicine ball throw, approach jump and blocking skills for the upper extremity," he explains.

R. Govindarajulu, the KVA president, believes strongly that the Academy owes a young man more than just an opportunity to play volleyball. "We have a commitment to see a player gets an education and that he graduates. To make sure he gets that we conducted a personal interview for the boys along with Sri Krishna College. This was done the same day of the trials."

The boys were thrilled to have been given a free hand to choose their degree courses. "We are really lucky because besides free training by expert coaches we have also been provided with boarding and lodging at no cost. In Kerala we have a similar provision but not as good as this one," says Denim C. Davis of Thrissur.

Pick of the lot

The tallest among the lot is Kerala's Lijo Joseph (2.02m). "He is only 18. We picked him because he can be quite effective at the net. D. Suresh Kumar of Tamil Nadu is the shortest. He measures 1.77m and has a good ball sense. He can make a good Libero," says Ramalingam.

Apart from basic hand and leg movements, the boys had to prove their skills in both the float and the jump serves. "We watched some of the specific areas carefully and the finding was that most of them can be groomed to our liking provided they train sincerely," he adds.

Referring to the number of boys from Kerala, Sridharan says, "In Kerala there is a big crowd playing the game. Kerala is more like Cuba with most players having explosive power. That's because of the ups and downs in the landscape. They are also physically fit but the sad thing is they lack the skill. So, it's no surprise they come to train in Tamil Nadu. Also, our State has always welcomed players of all disciplines with open arms" he says. The secretary of the district association, Venkatapathi, reiterates that the Academy is open to players from all States. "As long as they are skilful they will get a chance to work with us."

The Academy plans to recruit a few more upcoming stars before releasing the final chart. "We have decided to hold the second round of trials on April 25. This is to help those who could not make it for the first phase due to various reasons," he says.

R. R

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