KIBG 2025: Is Tamil Nadu's Fisherman Community Driving India's Beach Volleyball Success?

Diu, May 26 (NationPress) The volleyball stronghold of Tamil Nadu claimed victory in both the men's and women's divisions at the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 held in Diu. While the state's prowess in this sport is well-known, a remarkable narrative emerged from the sand courts—the ascent of beach volleyball athletes from the coastal fishing villages.

Two standout players, Robin Ravi, 23, and Bharat Somu, 22, hail from the Palavakkam fishing community and have represented India on the international stage, including the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Continental Cup finals in Bangladesh in 2023, where they secured a bronze medal. The pair also clinched the silver in the men’s volleyball tournament at the inaugural KIBG.

"Our lives revolve around the beach. Walking, working, and playing on the sand is second nature to us," both Robin and Bharat shared. Their journey echoes that of many in the fishing community, starting with watching experienced players in nearby makeshift courts. Robin began at just 10, while Bharat started at 15, learning the sport through observation and sheer passion.

According to A J Martin Sudhakar, a seasoned volleyball coach and KIBG 2025 competition manager, "They have been training on a court in their own hamlet. Their aspiration is to represent India at the Olympics." Sudhakar coached players Pradeep John and Mohan Poothathan, who achieved a historic 9th place in volleyball at the 2006 Asian Games.

Sudhakar noted the natural advantages of the fishing community, stating, "The fishermen have produced some of the toughest and most resilient players. Their lifestyle—hauling fishing nets, walking on shifting sand, and constant sun exposure—develops the stamina, balance, and strength necessary for beach volleyball." He further explained that their lower bodies are conditioned for uneven terrains, allowing them to adapt quickly to the demands of the sport.

Despite their international accolades, both Bharat and Robin are currently unemployed. "Their families struggle financially, with fathers working as fishermen and plumbers. However, they have the freedom to pursue their passion for the sport, which cannot last indefinitely," Sudhakar emphasized. "Securing government jobs for them would inspire 100-150 more youths from the community to take the sport seriously."

Next month, a 10-day camp will be organized in Chennai aimed specifically at the fishing community, as efforts to bolster their presence in national and international competitions continue. "The community is close-knit. If one succeeds, many follow suit. They engage in various sports—beach football, kabaddi, and even cricket," he added.

This year marked the first introduction of beach volleyball in the Khelo India platform. Sudhakar believes it is a fantastic spectator sport that can be developed rapidly. "We must fully support it," he asserted, highlighting Tamil Nadu's enduring dominance in both indoor and beach volleyball, thanks to the presence of courts in schools and exceptional players from districts such as Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai.

He encouraged other coastal states to emulate their model, mentioning that European countries have constructed artificial sand courts. "We have natural beaches—just a foot of sand is enough to start," he stated, also serving as the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Volleyball Association.

At the KIBG 2025, teams from Jammu & Kashmir and Chhattisgarh reached the quarterfinals, while Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, and Andhra Pradesh advanced to the semifinals. Sudhakar noted the achievement of Jammu & Kashmir players, who arrived just a day before the match without access to sand courts back home but still made it to the quarterfinals through self-motivation.

Sudhakar believes the Tamil Nadu model can be replicated in northern states as well, starting with identifying the right environments, investing in basic infrastructure, motivating youth via schools and universities, and providing financial security for top performers. "Northern states can begin modestly. No beach is needed—just acquire sand, outline a court, and start training. The Federation should send coaches, conduct clinics, and collaborate with state sports departments. This is the path forward," he advised.

Sudhakar is convinced that a national roadmap can transform the sport. "We must conduct seminars, train local coaches, and assign them to regional academies. Bringing in foreign experts from Brazil, the USA, or Europe for three-month stints is crucial. We don’t need snow-covered indoor sand courts like in Europe; we have natural beaches—let’s utilize them effectively," he concluded.

"The most effective way to grow in global volleyball is through beach volleyball. This is the perfect moment. We also need to provide employment for these athletes to secure their futures. This is how we cultivate a thriving sports ecosystem," Sudhakar finished.