Kochi Blue Spikers stars (left to right), forward Rohit Kumar, setter Vipul Kumar and forward Erin Varghese in Kochi on Wednesday. , Photo Credit: Stan Ryan
The Rupay Prime Volleyball League begins in Bengaluru on 4th February and goes on a month long journey to Hyderabad and Kochi. But this is also the time when the national championship (Guwahati, February 2-9) and the Federation Cup (Kochi, February 28-March 7) will be played in the country.
Due to the clash of dates, it is now clear that the biggest stars of the country who will play in the PVL will not be able to play in the two national competitions. But the players are also worried about the Asian Games to be held in China in September-October.
Will they be selected if they leave the National and Federation Cups and compete in the privately run PVL? Who will choose the team? These are the questions running through his mind.
“Both tournaments are important and PVL is also a wonderful platform to showcase our skills. Would be nice if we could play Nationals and Fed Cup as well. Hindu here on Wednesday.
“My ultimate aim is to play for the country, and I think the IOA (Indian Olympic Association) can select the team. We are hopeful that there will be open trials to select the team (for the Asiad).
Young raider Erin Varghese, who was part of the Kerala team that won the National Games in October, feels that the opportunity given to PVL players will help them get selected in the Asian team.
“A lot of top officials will be watching our matches, maybe even from the FIVB (world body), so there could be a change of scene. It will be disappointing if we lose the chance to play for the Indian team…all the top players in the country are here in the PVL.