Senior Indian Volleyball Stars Stage Walkout from National Camp
In a dramatic turn of events, Indian volleyball has been rocked by a players' revolt, with senior internationals Anand K and John Joseph walking out of the national camp in Gandhinagar on Sunday. Their protest is directed at the abrupt removal of longtime foreign coach Dragan Mihailovic and alleged administrative lapses within the interim Volleyball Federation of India (VFI), currently led by Virender Kanwar.
Camp Disruption Amid Crucial Preparations
The camp, held at the Sports Authority of India's Gandhinagar regional centre, is a key part of India's preparations for the upcoming AVC Men's Cup, scheduled from June 20 to 28 in Ahmedabad. This tournament features 12 top Asian teams and serves as a critical warm-up for the Asian Games. The timing of this disruption raises serious concerns about the team's readiness for these major competitions.
Players Voice Frustration Over Coach Removal
Anand K strongly criticized the decision to remove Mihailovic, linking it directly to declining preparation standards. "We had strong results under Mihailovic, including a runner-up finish at the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) tournament in Uzbekistan last year. His removal, without clarity, has hurt our preparations for the AVC Cup, AVC Men's Championships, and Asian Games," he stated. He added that the new coaching setup lacks the same global expertise, which is affecting player confidence and performance readiness.
Impact of Mihailovic's Departure
Dragan Mihailovic, who coached the Indian team for three years, was widely credited with modernizing training methods and improving results, including strong showings at various international events. Players believe his exit disrupts continuity at a crucial phase, potentially jeopardizing the team's progress and competitive edge.
Underlying Governance Issues
Sources within the interim VFI suggest deeper governance issues are at play. An official, requesting anonymity, indicated that Mihailovic's alignment with a reform-oriented "steering committee" backed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) created friction within the federation. This internal conflict may have contributed to the coach's removal and the subsequent player unrest.
The walkout highlights ongoing challenges in Indian volleyball administration, with players calling for greater transparency and stability to ensure optimal preparation for upcoming tournaments.
