A Serbian coach returned to India for a second time to lead the national volleyball team. The 68-year-old said he was drawn back by the chance to see the squad succeed and by the support shown by fans in Ahmedabad. He noted that the team prepared special meals for him because he finds local food too spicy.
Last week India won five matches against New Zealand, Kazakhstan, Taiwan, Australia and Bahrain at the AVC Nations Cup. The side claimed bronze in front of 8,000 spectators and qualified for the 12-team AVC Continental Cup in September. The team is also eligible for the Asian Games as Asia’s seventh-ranked side, though final approval from the sports ministry is still awaited.
Top teams Japan, Iran and China were absent from the event. Indonesia beat India in five sets in the semi-finals. The coach is already planning for a return match in September.
He must still complete paperwork and obtain clearances for training camps. The coach left a position in Hong Kong to take the role despite earlier difficulties in 2019. He said the 24 players remain his main focus and that India has the talent to improve.
Indonesia benefits from a developed league that attracts foreign players. India’s domestic Prime Volleyball League has given its athletes useful experience. The coach wants a nine-week training block to improve speed, efficiency and reception quality. He has added a performance analyst and an Italian strength coach.
He described the effort as the start of a revolution and noted gains in serving and receiving during a short preparation period. The coach said he understands progress can be slow and that he returned reluctantly but felt the players deserved guidance.
The coach was reportedly chosen because others might leave quickly. He has been encouraged by recent cooperation between officials and athletes. Captain C Jerome Vinith left engineering studies to play, while other team members also made career sacrifices. Their efforts were rewarded with the bronze medal in Ahmedabad.
