Chennai: Tamil Nadu volleyball coach P. Sundaram didn’t make any promise about his team’s performance at the national championship, starting in Uttar Pradesh from December 22. “The team is good,” was his modest assessment. But it was clear that the coach was quietly confident of pulling it off.
During an interaction with Deccan Chronicle on the sidelines of a camp at Velammal Engineering College here on Monday, Sundaram said Tamil Nadu would regain the title it had lost to Kerala two years ago if attacker Naveen Raja Jacob, setter Ukkrapandian and blocker Vaishnav played to their best at Moradabad.
The trio are current Indian players.
With former India libero S. Kanagaraj also in the team, Sundaram doesn’t lack dependable performers.
The coach is impressed with what he has seen of rookies C. Jerome Vinith (universal) and Akhin (blocker).
According to Sundaram, both the youngsters are “India materials.” “Jerome has everything — physical and technical — to succeed. I like his style of play. Akhin, too, has a bright future. He has the physique and a powerful smash,” he added.
The Tamil Nadu coach has decided on his first six.
Ukkrapandian, Naveen, John Christopher, Vaishnav, Jerome and Akhin will spearhead the state’s quest for a ninth national title. Kanagaraj is the libero. When Sundaram fielded his main six against the bench in a practice match on Monday, Tamil Nadu’s firepower came to the fore.
Sundaram is pleased that he has options to fall back on in case of an emergency. G. Pradeep was India’s main blocker not long ago and universal D. Selvaprabhu has the experience to step up to the plate.
The coach said setter Karthik has got sound basics. “I have no doubt that he will be ready if there is a need. Karthik can do a competent job.
Attacker Anandraj, too, is a fine prospect. He has excellent reach. Anand has age on his side to reach his best,” he added.
Motivating players to give their best is Sundaram’s toughest job because winning the national championship isn’t monetarily rewarding. With the Volleyball Federation of India not doing anything to bring in more money, it would be difficult to expect the players to give their all for prestige. If the standard of Indian volleyball has gone down in recent years, the federation is to be blamed.
Tamil Nadu players fighting for a place in the Indian team for next year’s Asian Games would be keen to garner attention at the national championship. The number of aspirants from the state is as high as ever and the carrot of Indian team selection should do Tamil Nadu a world of good.
