Ernakulam’s ace smasher

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Talking just before the final of State mini volleyball championship held here, Sanjith O.S., the ace player of Ernakulam sub junior team, is confident about his selection to the State team for the second time.

Throughout the tournament, his smashes have helped the Ernakulam team to rout other districts and reach in the final.

Hailing from Kottuvallikkad in Ernakulam district, last year also he has played for the State team in the nationals held in Chennai.

“From childhood, I have been playing volleyball. I started training in the sport with my brother Sajay, who was the State junior team captain. His selection to the national camp boosted my morale and I also picked up the game,” says the lanky smasher of the Ernakulam team.

“Sub Junior championships are the starting point of the professional career of a player and he has adapted well to the game conditions. Though he has a lot to improve, he has got the ability to be one of the best in the coming years,” said Thomas, coach of Ernakulam district team.

As for any other volleyball player, Sanjith’s height is one of the major component in his success in the volleyball.

His near-six feet height has already made harder for his opponents to return his smashes in the championship.

“The coach has asked to utilise my height to the fullest and score whenever I get a chance. My team mates constantly support me giving me high balls, which enables to score a lot against rivals,” he said.

His style of game has also enabled him to play along with senior players representing the State in the recently held PYKKA games.

“It was a great opportunity for me play in PYKKA games. I played along with senior team mates and was able to perform well. Besides, I have also represented my school in the State school meet along with senior players,” he said.

“Playing with seniors have contributed a lot to my improvement. The PYKKA games in Bhopal were a great chance of learning,” he said.

Sanjith started playing volleyball along with his brother and friends in his school HMYS HSS Kottuvallikkad.

“Sajay’s success in the game has helped me a lot. Next year, I want to play junior championship in national level,” an ambitious Sanjith said.

“In sub juniors level, representing State twice shows a good career prospects. However, the years to come are really important and if he works hard, he will get the reward. Anyway, this year will be his last term in the sub junior level,” says his coach Thomas.