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VFI to introduce two-libero system

Sports Reporter

APVA to host a national championship for men and women at Visakhapatnam

VIJAYAWADA: The proposal of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) to play two liberos in each team will be put to effect by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) from December. The decision is likely to be taken in the federation’s general body meeting to be held at Visakhapatnam on December 18.

“The modern day game dominated by powerful smashes and long rallies are on the wane. To make the game more viewer and television-friendly, the two-libero system has been introduced. With this, the defence gets more teeth paving the way for some engrossing action,” said VFI’s associate secretary and former National coach A. Ramana Rao.

He said it was not mandatory that the teams should deploy two liberos and the decision would be left to the team management. “In the recently-concluded World congress of the FIVB at Dubai, a decision was taken to add two more players in the team. As of now, each team comprises 12 players and room for two more players is now being provided,” he added.

He also revealed that the pressure of the ball was reduced after the Beijing Olympics and the colour of the ball too had undergone a change.

Mr. Rao said the Andhra Pradesh Volleyball Association (APVA) would host a national championship for men and women at Visakhapatnam from December 19 to 28 featuring all of the State outfits along with teams from the Railways and the Services.

“The tournament, on a league-cum-knockout basis, will be held at four venues. Apart from the Rajiv Gandhi Port Trust, Swarna Bharati and Vizag Steel Plant indoor stadiums, matches will be held at the newly-built indoor stadium at Anakapalle,” he said.

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