When Naveen paid the price for bunking class

I bunked classes for three months when I was in ninth standard. I would go to school without attending classes.

I would sleep soundly at a secluded place before returning to hostel. When my unsuspecting father came to know my 'interest' in studies, he gave me an unforgettable thrashing on the school premises itself.

M. Naveen Raja Jacob in full flight is one of the pleasures of watching volleyball in Chennai. The 25-yearold Indian Overseas Bank officer is the best talent to have come out of Tamil Nadu in the new millennium. Naveen is a complete package. Gifted with explosive power and hand speed, the attacker packs a punch in his smashes. Naveen is a great server and a dependable receiver. Lack of inches prevents him from being a top blocker but he can be more than useful in blunting the opposition's spikes thanks to his prodigious jump. No wonder the player from Tirunelveli has been a fixture in the Indian team ever since he made his senior debut.

Naveen, who is getting ready to help Tamil Nadu reclaim the national title, answered Deccan Chronicle's off-beat questions.
Earliest sporting memory: Playing cricket.

What would you have done without volleyball? Maybe I would have followed in my father's footsteps and set up a photo studio. I was average at studies. Toughest part of his career: I find coping with injury extreme ly difficult. Injurie are a test of one's mental strength. Most memorable sporting moment: The 2009 junior world championship in Pune where India finished fourth and I bagged the best server, scorer an server, scorer and receiver awards.

And, the worst: Not being able to perform to the best of my ability i the best of my ability in the 2012 Olympic qualifiers owing to a shoulder injury.

Questions most asked by the public: What is the secret of your jump and power?

What is your ultimate goal in volleyball? Winning a medal at next year's Asian Games.
My one piece of advice to youngsters: Come to the ground at least half-an-hour earlier than others to work on the areas where you have scope for improvement.

Pet name: Thambi to my family members.

My biggest extravaganza: Shopping. I splurge on dresses.

What do you never leave home without? The Bible.

The craziest thing you have ever done: I bunked classes for three months when I was in ninth standard. I would go to school without attending classes. I would sleep soundly at a secluded place before returning to hostel. When my unsuspecting father came to know my 'interest' in studies, he gave me an unforgettable thrashing on the school premises itself.

Your best trait: I'm an affectionate person.

And, the worst: Anger.

Favourite hero: Ajith.

Favourite heroine: Trisha. What do you remember most about playing your first international match? I was fear ful when I made my debut for the Indian ebut for the Indian youth team against Belgium in 2007.

The person I learned most from in volley ball: Indian Bank's Muthuraj. I played for Indian I played for Indian Bank before joining IOB and I always looked up to Muthuraj. He is still a ole model. role model.

Who has been the greatest influence in your life? SAI coach Sendhurpandian. I learned so much from him during my formative years at Tirunelveli. He was a tough task master.

But I wouldn't have come this far without his guidance. My parents have also supported me all along my career.