by Ashis Sinha
In commemoration of World Sports Journalist Day, Jaideep Sarkar, Chief Coach of the Indian Men’s Volleyball Team for the XIX Hangzhou Asian Games 2022-23 and representative of the International Olympic Committee’s CIPC for India, has issued a fervent appeal to address critical issues within the administration of Indian volleyball. With a wealth of experience in coaching and international sports governance, Sarkar has highlighted the pressing need to awaken and rejuvenate Indian volleyball, which he identifies as a latent powerhouse in the global sporting arena.
Sarkar’s statement underscores India’s profound potential in volleyball, cultivated over decades of engagement with the sport, dating back to his formative years under the tutelage of revered mentors like Dronacharya and Arjuna Awardee Sri Syam Sunder Rao during the 1990s.
Drawing attention to recent achievements, Sarkar points out India’s significant rise in international rankings, having surged by six positions.
He underscores the nation’s remarkable performances at prestigious events such as the Asian Games, which exemplify India’s growing competitiveness on the world stage.
The coach’s appeal is a call to action for stakeholders within the volleyball community and relevant authorities to urgently unify and address longstanding administrative challenges.
These issues, Sarkar argues, not only tarnish the sport’s reputation but also threaten to impede the momentum of India’s Olympic Movement.
Central to Sarkar’s plea is the imperative of fostering a collaborative and supportive environment to sustain and build upon the recent successes of Indian volleyball. His impassioned call serves as a rallying cry for all concerned parties to prioritize revitalizing Indian volleyball and ensuring cohesive coordination for the advancement of the Olympic Movement within the nation.
