Rangappa Madalagere, a 67-year old, was an active player during his school and college days, donning the colours of his employees - BMTC- for nearly two decades as a setter. He also represented KSRTC in the All India Transport Volleyball Championships for seven years.
Rangappa, a popular face in the local tournaments and a flawless commentator at State and national-level tournaments in Bangalore and the outskirts is a historian of the game. “Players from other States have applauded me for my efforts,” he says.
“Ask Rangappa” is a common refrain when one wishes to go back in time. And the humble man, as in his playing days, would oblige everyone . Hailing from Madalagere village of Chenarangapatna Taluk of Hassan District, Rangappa started the Mahadeshwara Sports Club in his village and introduced the game of volleyball which was a instant hit during the 70’s. “It was good to see the farmers who toiled in the fields come back and relax with a game of volleyball,” says Rangappa.
When he moved to Bangalore, Rangappa formed the Hanuman Kreeda Sansthe (HKS) in Srirampura near Basavanagudi which was a prominent club . “We had very good players and also organised State championships for nearly 10 years at our grounds.”
Rangappa has chronicled his journey in a book: Volleyball Kreeda Jagattu (Volleyball: World of Sports) in 2008 which has won rare acclaim with the State Government buying copies for all its district and taluk libraries across the state.
Rangappa is pained though at the recent dip in the State’s performances at the senior level. “When we were playing the game, the situation was very different. There is no discipline and no achievements now. It is sad that the onus is only on making money. In those days they played with pride.”
