Kochi: Former Indian player, Azeez, is now honing his skills before playing at the National Senior Championship at Moradabad "Life goes on, whether on an oil rig or a volleyball court.
However, I still long to be part of the state team," says Azeez
Former Indian blocker M.T Azeez is now shut tling between two worlds.
He works on an oil rig in Abu Dhabi when he is not playing volleyball.
The pensive blocker, selected as a member of the state volleyball camp at Triprayar for the National Senior Championship to be held at Moradabad from December 21, is polishing his skills to prove his mettle once again to all those who have forgotten him.
A product of SAI centre Kozhikode, Azeez started his career playing for Centre Board of Customs and Excise. After his stint with the Customs, he joined BPCL. But an offer from UAE had him relocate abroad.
Azeez has played for India twice at the SAF games and the Rashid Tournament before joining the UAE Club in Ras al-Khaimah. He came back and regained his place in the Indian team for Olympic Qualifier in Germany. However, his stay did not last long as none of the Kerala department teams offered him a decent job.
“Life goes on, whether on an oil rig or a volleyball court.
However, I still long to be part of the state team. It makes me nostalgic,“ says M.T. Azeez.
This dandyish player from Nadapuram in Kozhikode still plays for the UAE Club and is happy with his foreign teammates. “It is altogether a different life there. The Club is two and a half hours from the city and is a little secluded. But in season the place is abuzz with excitement.“ And as for his job he says, “Except for my wife's complaints about being away from Kerala, I am satisfied with it. After working for 28 days, I have leave for the next 28 days.
So the schedule give me time give me time to play volleyball.
M y manager is supportive and he is the one who has allowed me to play in the league even during working days,“ he said.
The interruption in his playing career in Kerala was a major blow for him to secure a good job. “I think working abroad was in my destiny. Most of my family members are in MiddleEast. But I miss Kerala,“ he says.
“Even if I get call up for the Indian camp I won't be joining.
A job abroad and Indian national team dreams won't go along,“ he quips.
Azeez will represent the Ras alKhaimah Club in the UAE League and Sheikh Cup next season. “This year the league is going to be more colourful as one of the club has signed Giba, a Brazilian superstar,“ he reveals.
