Spikers make waves
Mumbai University volleyball team beat arch rivals Savitribai Phule University, Pune to emerge inter-varsity champions
From Holyoke, Massachusetts, in United States to the indoors of many stadiums, has been the journey of this game volleyball. Although, it does figure as one of the Olympic Games, it has not found a place of pride in India except for the southern states. But, it does hold some importance when it comes to the universities, and Mumbai university has been one to keep the game alive, and rightly so they went on to win the inter-varsity championship which was held recently.
Free Press Journal went to find the ground reality of the athletes who have picked up this game while, many prefer cricket, football and hockey to mention a few.
Mumbai University team, in the Maha Derby beat their arch rivals, Savitribai Phule University team from Pune in straight sets 25-22, 25-20, 25-19 at the Maharashtra State Inter University volleyball Championship organised by Mumbai University Kreeda Mahotsavbruary, at Bhavans college ground Andheri, in the city.
“I have been playing the game since my childhood, and this sport is quite different from others and the best part is that it has all the ingredients of many games such as badminton, basketball and others and that is the reason which makes this game so special. And with the professional league Volleyball ball taking shape this year, this game will go a long way and I want to be a part of it,” said the skipper of Mumbai University Seega Manoj.
It is one of the Olympic games while cricket is not and it is been played by many number of countries around the globe while cricket is played in very few countries, However that is got to do nothing and volleyball is here to grow,” said the first year B P Ed student from Thakur college in the city.
“It is nice to see youngsters take part in this and with Professional Volleyball League coming in the country, I am sure it is the beginning of a new era for this game in our country,” said one of the teacher Balakrishna Iyer.
“Thanks to the people concerned who are responsible for the professional league, this has given a new lease for life for the game. I was an athlete and today since last nine years, I have been playing the game. The best part about this team game is one gets to learn many things as a team. Co-ordination and understanding and what best one can contribute to the team, and that is the reason for me to take up this game.,” said Saily Nasery, a BMM student from the city who also represents the University.
With all the developments in the game, the game which one of the most followed in South India, is expected to soon take shape in the other parts as well.