Dakshina in elite league

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S. Dakshinamoorthy, 54, has joined the elite band of Indian volleyball coaches who have attended a FIVB Level-III course.

The SAI coach, who is on deputation to the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, was among the 26 candidates from 13 countries to take part in the top course at Bangkok, Thailand, from July 2 to 7.

Dakshinamoorthy deserves the honour thoroughly as his toil over the last 15 years polished many a gem at SDAT’s centre of excellence in Chennai. For a talented volleyball player from a far-flung area in Tamil Nadu, the coach has been a beacon of hope.

S. Karthi, an attacker from the SDAT centre, is attending the ongoing senior national camp at Tiruchendur. It is a big honour because he has made it to the top directly from an academy. Almost all the teams in the recently concluded Indian Volley League had a Dakshinamoorthy product.

Dakshinamoorthy has made SRM University (SDAT supplies players to SRM) a major force at the national level. SRM are so strong in volleyball that their presence in the all-India inter-university final is a given these days.

The coach is happy that he got a chance to attend the Level-III course. “It is the pinnacle in coaching. When I started off three decades ago, I never imagined that I would reach this level. I must thank the Volleyball Federation of India and the SDAT for their support all along,” he said.

Dakshinamoorthy said the course has refreshed his mind. “If you work in the same field close to 30 years, monotony sets in. Attending the training programme has rejuvenated me. I’m ready for new challenges now. I hope to discharge my duties with passion and dedication until my retirement,” he added.

The experienced coach said he learned a lot about long-term planning and the importance of technology at Bangkok.

“From my interactions with other coaches and course instructors, it became clear we are on the right track in tactics. But we need to step up in professionalism,” he added.

Dakshinamoorthy’s main task at the course was preparing players psychologically before a match. “There were also queries on the structure of the Volleyball Federation of India and its marketing activities. I was also asked about the co-operation between clubs and national team management in India,” he said.

Evaluation of a match between the senior men’s teams of Australia and Thailand was the most important practical lesson of the training programme. Dakshinamoorthy was specifically asked to analyse the performance of Thailand’s outside hitter.

“I have done my best. I’m awaiting the results,” the coach said. For a man who is doing such stellar grassroots work, passing out with flying colours shouldn’t be a problem.