Railway spikers start favourites

VISAKHAPATNAM, Dec 13: Hosts Andhra Pradesh men will take on Services in the inaugural match of the 46th Senior National Volleyball tournam...

VISAKHAPATNAM, Dec 13: Hosts Andhra Pradesh men will take on Services in the inaugural match of the 46th Senior National Volleyball tournament for men and women, which will begin on Sunday at Port Indoor Stadium here, one of the three venues.

Twenty-four men and 22 women teams from all over the country will vie for top honours in the eight-day event. Defending champions in both men and women sections, Indian Railways, will start as strong favourites. With senior India spikers in their ranks, they will have little problems in the league phase with only Services and Tamil Nadu being the formidable rivals in their group.

All the teams landed in the city and had practice at the Port Indoor Stadium. Railways men’s coach, G Balamuralidhar, was confident of retaining the title. They will start campaign against West Bengal on Sunday. Railways, whose strong weapon is blocking, will be led by M M Suresh. Ramachandra Raju, who was adjudged player of the tournament in the 44th edition at Jammu and Venkateswar Rao will spearhead the attack-line while experienced Ravikant Reddy will be the main setter. PV Ramana and skipper Suresh will take care of central blocking.

According to their coach, Railmen are in good nick improving upon their rear-court defence and first pass. Ravikant Reddy will play a crucial role in their game-plan. His short lifts and rotation will provide the punch to the attack-line. Experienced Abu Baker will be the stand-bye setter.

In the distaff side, Railways women comprising internationals Salomi Ramu, Elsamma, Mini Jacob and Anuradha will be too good for their rivals in Group A consisting of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Orissa and Himachal Pradesh. Last year’s runners-up Kerala, too have an easy time from Group B.

Railway women will face Himachal Pradesh while Kerala take on Bihar in their opening match.