KOCHI: It is notable that the Tamil Nadu State Volleyball Association has taken such an unprecedented decision at a time when Jerome Vinith C and Muthusamy, who hail from Tamil Nadu, are part of the Kerala state team and clubs like KSEB and BPCL show no qualms over picking players from other states, including Tamil Nadu.Protest from colleges and universities which already had players admitted under sports quota forced TNSA to issue a circular on Tuesday stating that it would allow colleges, universities and clubs to register two outstation players each to participate in tournaments this year.
“We were asked by district associations to not allow these players as the local players were finding it difficult to get chances. In order to protect the interest of our players, we found it necessary to take this decision,” TNSVA general secretary A K Chithraipandian told ‘Express.’ “This year, we will allow two students each to participate if they are enrolled in the college or university and if they produce an NOC from their respective state associations. But the complete ban will come into effect from the next season,” he says.
“We have players from Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra studying in the first and second years, who will have their careers wasted now. At least, the association should have given them a few years’ time so that they could complete their studies or get themselves transferred to other states,” says the volleyball coach of a prominent college.
“We have been representing the college and playing in the nationals for the past couple of years. But our participation will be limited to just college tournaments now. This will adversely affect our careers and our search for a job,” says a player from Panimalar Engineering College, Chennai. “Tamil Nadu is a state where a lot of colleges offer free education for athletes. Players who are mostly from poor background go there to study as well as look after their playing career. If TNSVA’s decision stands, these colleges will stop supporting volleyball and the players will suffer as a result,” says Kishore.