When India defeated Chinese Taipei (3-1) to lift the third place title in the Asia Cup held in Iran, Kozhikode player Vibin George was the only player from Kerala in the team.
Two years later, when India prepare for a better performance under the guidance of G. Sridharan, the Indian volleyball coach, Vibin George will be again playing a crucial role in the team.
He is the only player from Kerala in the final team declared on Tuesday. The team will be leaving for Vietnam on Wednesday for the championship.
“It has been an honour to be in the national team. Last time, winning a medal in the Asia Cup after 24 years for the country was a memorable experience.
We need to do something better this time. The competition is for the best eight teams in Asia and will be a tough one,” said Vibin George.
He is at currently in the national camp held in Thiruchendur in Tamil Nadu. Vibin George started his national team career from 2007 onwards and he has been consistently appearing for the national team since then. However, due to an illness he was absent from the Olympic qualifiers.
“Though I missed the Olympic qualification, I am grateful now to be in the team. I am fit and ready to perform my best for national team,” he said.
This time there have been several changes in the Indian team. “We are looking forward to fielding a young team.
Only three seniors have been given a place in the national team this time. This is to accommodate more youngsters.
We thought about resting other seniors after the Olympic qualifiers to give youngsters more opportunities. The Asia Cup will be a good experience for them,” said Sridharan, the coach.
“After the Olympic qualification held in Germany, team confidence is high. Moreover, winning a third place in the last Asia Cup has helped us to shape our training and preparation in a more sophisticated way,” he says.
India is placed in a tough group this time along with Australia, Iran and China. The first match will be held against Australia on September 1.
“It will be a tough task to get into the quarterfinals considering the opposition teams. However, I believe our young boys are ready for the tournament,” said the coach.