Since its inception in February 2022, Prime Volleyball League (PVL) has been a transformative force in Indian volleyball — the local talent getting an opportunity to rub shoulders with the best spikers from other countries. In fact, PVL has an increased visibility across regions, attracting a broader audience and bringing competitive excellence on court.
The league has allowed Indian players from various social and cultural backgrounds to showcase their talent. It is crucial for young players, who, prior to the league, had limited opportunities to play at a professional level and a chance to work with foreign coaches and interact with international players.
Players now have access to better facilities, coaching, and other support, contributing to an overall improvement in performance not only in the league but also while playing for India.
Speaking on how PVL has changed his life, L. M. Manoj said, “It has changed not only my life but my family’s as well. I come from a family of farmers in Karnataka, with limited access to everything. After getting drafted in the PVL, people started recognising me, the fans even have a moniker ‘Mountain Manoj’. This recognition and fame feels nice. We had debts and not enough money to even buy shoes. We could not afford to pay for training and practice. Thanks to the league, the money has helped financially.”
When asked about working with foreign coaches, Manoj said, “Training with foreign coaches, fitness experts, and data analysts has improved our game. Even my Indian teammates feel the same. We sit with them and get the data. They are very disciplined and systematic. They analyse the pros and cons. This has helped our team while playing for the country. My coach Dakshinamoorthy sir’s input is also valuable for me.”
LM Manoj celebrates with Muthusamy during a Prime Volleyball League match. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
All this was evident at the Asian Games 2023, held in Hangzhou, China. India was grouped alongside three-time champion, the Republic of Korea and Cambodia, in Pool C. It faced stiff competition from volleyball powerhouses in Asia. Though it lost to Japan, ranked No. 1 in the continent in the quarterfinals, the team gave a good show with an aggressive approach and discipline. Most importantly, it adapted well to high-pressure situations as it stunned a higher-ranked Korea 3-2 at the Asiad.
M. Ukkrapandian said, “I have played in four Asian Games overall. Playing in this league, alongside international players and training under foreign coaches has improved our game. It has had a big impact on the Indian players to perform well at the Asian Games because the level of competition in this league is top-notch. We gained a lot of experience and did not feel any pressure at the Asian Games.”
Mohan Ukkarapandian in action. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
On his PVL experience, Muthusamy Appavu said, “I have been a part of the Indian team since 2017-18. I was a part of the senior camp, but we call ourselves ‘professional’ only after PVL started. Looking at our performance in the Asian Games we should judge it as ‘before PVL and after PVL’. We beat South Korea and Chinese Taipei. Even in the Asian Championship, we fought hard before losing to China in five sets in the quarterfinals. The performance speaks after the league started. There is a lot of benefit for all of us. The volleyball we played earlier and the volleyball we play today are totally different. Personally, I am playing with much more confidence.
Appavu further said, “All of us feel playing in the PVL has helped us perform better at the Asian Games. The facilities provided in the PVL are excellent. We have a lot of games during the season. If we keep playing at this level, I am sure we will break into the top five in Asia soon. A lot of young talent is coming up and there is healthy competition amongst the Indian seniors and juniors. None of us can take our place for granted due to the competition in the league.”
PVL has provided the much-needed professional structure. It has also helped identify talent across the country and brought financial stability, which in turn has increased the sport’s popularity. The league could create a vibrant volleyball culture in India, laying the foundation for possible future international successes.
Comments
SHARE