All eyes on Kerala duo
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It is destiny that brings veteran volleyball players Tom Joseph and K.J. Kapil Dev together in the Indian team after three years.
For more than three Olympics, the duo has won and been part of many international events for the county yet never been part of the biggest sporting event.
As India prepares to play the Olympic qualifier for the first time, in Germany this summer, the two iconic players, say it is like taking one giant leap towards the vision they share.
“After three years I am recalled to the team and it is a great feeling. But it also makes me happy that when India play the Olympic qualifier for first time, I’ve a chance to play my part,” said Tom.
“Kapil and I have played in almost every major international event and now we are closer to playing at the level we always wanted to be in.
The qualifiers will be tough, but we have already made certain history, why not make some more by earning the qualification?” Tom questions.
Before the qualifiers to be held from June 8 to 10 in Berlin, the two along with another Malayali, Azeez M.T. will play in the Challenger Cup in China, to where they take off from Bengaluru on Tuesday midnight.
Apparently, the event in China that has strong opponents such as the hosts and Kazakhstan is also a first for the super players. Overall, it is going to be a huge year for Indian volleyball.
Kapil who has been part of the Indian team for the last two years does not want to get carried away. He believes it is a diversion in the right direction that will help the future of Indian volleyball.
“I agree that for seniors like me and Tom this is a big opportunity when we are at the end of our careers, but what is more important is that the future of Indian volleyball also looks brighter,” said Kapil.
Another happy man is Azeez from Nadapuram, who has been called to the national side after the SAF Games in 2006.
“I’ve waited a long time for this to happen and now it is amazing,” said Azeez. As India plays the likes of Cuba, the Czech Republic and Germany in the Olympic qualifiers, the experience of former national captains Tom and Kapil will be decisive if the country is to progress to London.
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