Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | NXg | Friday Review | Cinema Plus | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

PHOTO:R.M. RAJARATHINAM

Efficient in his dual responsibility

“There is a sense of fulfilment and satisfaction when you do well in both. As a player I cherished my best moments and while coaching I enjoy my wards’ performances,” says Sridharan.

As part of the bronze medal winning Indian team at the 1986 Seoul Asian Games, Sridharan rates the win over Japan as one of his best as a player. “No one expected us to win, but we were a determined lot. We came up with an excellent performance to beat Japan and secured the bronze medal. It was a big achievement,” he recalls. That was the last time India won a medal at the Asian Games.

But as a coach, the win against Pakistan last year ranks high in his list. India secured a 4-1 win over arch-rivals at home and drew 2-2 in the away series. “Be it any sport the atmosphere at the stadium during India-Pakistan encounters is electric. A win in the high-voltage clash is something always special,” says the former Indian captain.

The coach of the gold-medal winning Indian team at the Central Asian Zone Volleyball Championship, Sridharan takes pride that India is ranked 25th in the world of the 218 registered countries. “This is no mean achievement, given the fact that the team comprises players, who are not professionals. The victories in the recent past are big morale boosters for the boys,” he says making a special mention about the crucial role played by the Volleyball Federation India (VFI) in the team’s success over the years.

The height of the players (the average height of the team is 1.97m), their ’absolute jump’ – ability to jump 1m above the ground level while spiking and agility are among the positives of Team India now, feels Sridharan. More international exposure will do the players a world of good.

“We do not have much of tourneys for the senior team this year. But there is a need to keep the boys engaged. VFI is taking steps to send the team abroad for some matches,” says Sridharan, who has set a goal for himself, winning a medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games. “It is very much a possibility and we are working towards achieving the aim.”

Sridharan’s achievements as a player won recognition in the form of Arjuna Award. But his accomplishments as coach still awaits acknowledgement – the Dronacharya Award.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail