Wayanad weak but not its players

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Hosts Wayanad are one of the weakest teams participating in the State Senior Basketball Championship held in Mullankolly and both the women’s and men’s teams did not even reach the quarterfinals of the tourney.

But basketball fans in Wayanad have a lot to cheer for as most team members from Wayanad are playing for other district teams. What left Wayanad ill-equipped in the basketball arena is that their star players left to play for other districts as they got better opportunities.

“At present, considering the facilities, we are able to give only basic training to players. Those who excel from here go to other districts and subsequently get selected from those district teams. We have a lot of players like this,” says A. K. Mathew, secretary of the Wayanad Basketball Association.

Some players from Wayanad who have shone in the state and national championships are Priyesh Jacob (Thirssur), Neenumol P.S. (Kannur), Jeena P.S. (Kannur), Arun Alexander (Kerala Police Team), Ullass Jose (BSNL) and Arun Jose (Kottayam).

“If we select a team from the list of Wayanad players appearing for other districts, Wayanad would become the strongest team in the state in both the women’s and men’s category in the state. Sadly, most players are unavailable to play for Wayanad,” Mathew said.

The major reason behind players leaving for other districts is the lack of higher education institutions in the district. Besides, some players are being selected to the Sports Authority of India centres.
“At least, I am proud that the district has become a powerhouse of basketball players, though most of them are not playing for us. Most of them are getting their basic training from Wayanad. It is also a fact that we lack better training facilities,” Mathew explained.

“Wayanad does not have a qualified coach and the number of basketball courts are also very few. Considering the number of players coming for training, there must be more basketball grounds. We have asked for a qualified coach but the sports council has not provided one yet. Physical education teachers are now conducting basketball training camps,” Mathew said.

Mullankolly and Pulpally are major centres of basketball in Wayanad.

“The people here love the game and most players come from the region,” he said. “If more facilities and sports centres are allotted, I hope players will be groomed from the region,” Mathew added.