Tamil Nadu did change a simple arithmetic into a complex algebra in the final of the 59th senior national volleyball championship here on Sunday. But what mattered in the end was the result as Tamil Nadu won their eighth national title after five riveting sets. Maybe the defending champions had played their best match of the tournament in the demolition of Railways in the semifinals.

The gripping final was a surprise end to an otherwise ordinary national championship. Kerala had to return home with the crumb of comfort that they were the only team to take a set away from the champions. Kerala deserved credit and respect for their invention and industry in the memorable final. They added spice to the clash of southern neighbours by refusing to throw in the towel.

Kerala’s spirited performance on Sunday couldn’t, however, mask the gulf in class between the two teams. Tamil Nadu’s line-up was full of junior and senior internationals. On the other hand, Kerala could count on only Vibin George as a current Indian star.

Nearly half of national squads at youth, junior and senior level are made up of Tamil Nadu players these days. What are the reasons for the state’s dominance? Volleyball has always been popular in Tamil Nadu, which produced the first superstar of the game, the late “Panther” Palanisamy. He was volleyball’s first Arjuna awardee. As a participatory sport, volleyball has an enviable presence in almost all districts of TN.

Though volleyball has greater following in rural areas, it also enjoys excellent patronage in cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Tiruchy and Tirunelveli. The success of private tournaments conducted every year at Egmore, Ashok Nagar and Nanganallur is proof to the sport’s enduring appeal even in urban hubs. Entertainment inherent to a volleyball match is another plus. There is never a dull moment in the all-action sport.

Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu’s stellar contribution at grassroots level must be acknowledged. SDAT manager R.K. Durai Singh, himself a volleyball coach, said the work of S. Dakshinamoorthy, the coach of Centre of Excellence in the city, is commendable. “The number of internationals to have come out of the SDAT stable is proof to his hard work. Nobody can deny the SDAT its due in volleyball. Our hostels in Tirunelveli, Coimbatore and Tiruchy are veritable factories of promising talent. The SDAT supplies the major chunk of state squads in various age groups,” he added.

Dronacharya award is given to coaches who produce results at the international level. But the criteria for the highest coaching honour in the country should be amended to recognise work at grassroots level. After all, polishing raw diamonds is tougher than designing an impressive ornament with glittering ones.

Dakshinamoorthy, a SAI coach, says he derives utmost satisfaction from his work with youngsters. Four of his trainees — M. Ukkrapandian, D. Selvaprabhu, S. Kanagaraj and S. Karthi — were members of the victorious state team. As long as Dakshinamoorthy remains at the helm of the Centre of Excellence, the state can rest assured that the supply line will not dry up.

“There is no doubt that we have the best talent in the country. Not long ago it was difficult for a Tamil Nadu player to break into institutional teams in Andhra Pradesh because they had to vie with competent homegrown players. Today TN players are sought after in AP,” Dakshinamoorthy said.

“The most important reason for TN’s excellence in volleyball is the patronage extended to the game by IOB, Indian Bank, Southern Railway, ICF and Tamil Nadu Police. Without regular recruitment by these institutions and a vibrant club culture, where will players graduating from the SDAT go?” he asked.

With so many top teams based in the city, the Chennai district league is as competitive as the state championship. Regular events across the state help all teams remain in top shape throughout the year.