The Hindu : Sport / Volleyball : Sridharan backs VFI's move

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jun 13, 2007
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Sridharan backs VFI's move

Sports Reporter

Coimbatore: There were loads of surprises when the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) announced the Indian team on Monday for the Asian Central Zone Championship in Islamabad.

Suddenly, some of the biggest names in the sport such as all-rounder Tom Joseph, blocker R. Rajeev and setter Kapil Dev have gone out of favour. In a clear change of policy, with emphasis on youth, the VFI has brought in eight new players, all under the age of 23.

The new scenario should be a massive challenge for the team's chief coach G. E. Sridharan as many in the team would be making their senior national debut in Islamabad.

But the Arjuna Awardee is ready to face the challenge head on. "It's a young side, full of energy and enthusiasm. Unlike the seniors, they have a big thirst to win medals for the country, the same thirst that I saw in the team that clinched the silver at the 2003 under-19 World Championship," said Sridharan.

Good idea

Sridharan feels the VFI has done the right thing by bringing in young players. "It's a very good move, a firm start on the long road. The best part is the timing. It's now or never for the team. How long can we depend on our seniors? I don't say they are bad but results matter."

Virtually in hibernation for the best part of the last two years, Sridharan took over from Brazilian Augusto Jose Sabattini a couple of months ago and set about working on the team's failure to deliver at the international level.

He felt that the team's potential was encased in a cage of fear. He has changed that to some extent. And, with the VFI selection committee injecting fresh blood, he is confident that the team will strike gold in Islamabad.

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