Kochi: Motivating players to give their best for the national senior volleyball championship is a difficult task as there is little financial reward connected with the tourney . Even as the event is the premier volleyball championship in India, the players are often paid nothing, even to meet their daily expenses.
But when Kerala coach S. Manoj fielded his main six against the bench in a practice match held at the state camp, it was played with all its seriousness and the players literally fought for each point.
“Money is important but we cannot expect a reward and then play . We should give our best on court to get a win. Even an untimely miss could ruin our chance. Off court matters should remain outside,“ said Tom Joseph, who is representing the state for a record 17th year running.
“Our focus is to win the national title for the third consecutive time. A hattrick is something special and every player in the squad dreams about it. No previous Kerala contingent has won the title three times,“ he said.
Kerala captain K.G. Ragesh feels every team has its own strengths.
“Uttarakhand, Railways, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have good players, who can turn the match their way . The results will be based on our ability to adapt to each match conditions. I believe luck also has a major role,“ said the skipper.
“I have heard that Tamil Nadu has come up with a very determined team.
They lost their title to us two years ago and we humiliated them in the Federation Cup held in March. They had a month-long camp and also players for the Asian Games to be held next year will be selected from the tourney . So the players, most of them Indian, will give everything on court to grab a win,“ said Vibin M. George, former Indian counter-attacker.
Former Indian blocker M.T. Azeez, who has returned to the state squad this year, believes if the combination is right no one can stop them.
“The camp held at Thrissur was fine and though a brief one, it helped us get fit and ready.
I have not played in India for about a year and it will be a chance for me to renew my old friendships at the nationals,“ said Azeez, who plays for a UAE-based team.
Kerala will take on Rajasthan in their first match on December 21.
