Chennai: The common goal of the two volleyball players is to help Tamil Nadu win the national championship.
S Kanagaraj wants to reclaim his place in the Indian team. C. Jerome Vinith is keen to break into the Indian team for the first time. But the common goal of the two volleyball players is to help Tamil Nadu win the national championship, starting in Uttar Pradesh from December 22. Both Kanagaraj and Jerome must be in their best form if the state has to emerge on top at the country’s premier tournament.
Kanagaraj, who works for Chennai Customs, said he is desperate to play for India again.
Having represented the country at the Asian Games in 2010, the libero wants to be in line for selection for next year’s continental gala. “I can’t wait for the start of the national championship because it’s a great opportunity to stake my claim again.
I have wonderful memories of the Asian Games in 2010 and I will cherish a chance to take part in another edition,” he said.
Even though Kanagaraj has won every title that is available in Indian volleyball from the national championship to National Games to Indian Volley League, he is hungry for more.
He was a crucial member of the Tamil Nadu squad that nailed two national titles in succession a couple of years ago. The libero is hurt that the state failed to go all the way in the last two editions.
“With six internationals, the current squad has a menacing look. I have no doubt that we have the experience and talent to win the title. The motivation is also high in every member,” Kanagaraj said.
Jerome could be the man of the moment for Tamil Nadu in UP.
The 22-year-old student of SRM single-handedly sunk the fearsome IOB in the final of the state championship recently. On the memorable evening at the MRK Stadium, everything Jerome touched turned a point. IOB coach P. Sundaram is now at the helm of the state team and he has a first-hand experience of witnessing the damage Jerome could inflict on his opponents.
The SRM all-rounder wants to repay the faith the entire state has reposed in his abilities. “I feel no pressure. It’s a pleasure to play for my state and an honour to play alongside many internationals. The camp has been a great learning experience for me. The coach and senior players have made me feel at home. I look up to them all the time because I will be playing for the Tamil Nadu senior team for the first time. When I represented the state junior team two years ago, we finished third. Now I want to help Tamil Nadu reach the top,” he said.
Jerome said he would strive to do better than what he did at the state championship. “I’m confident of giving my best at the nationals because I’m training with some India’s top players at the camp. Blocking is one area I’m concentrating a lot on during practice. The determination in the squad to reclaim the title is unmistakeable. I hope my maiden trip with the Tamil Nadu senior team would be fruitful,” he added.
