Blast from the past: Subba’s Rao-ring tales from the court

KOZHIKODE:IT was in 2006. Subba Rao was about to take to the court for ONGC in an all-India tournament in Uttar Pradesh when a curious kid went up to him and asked a question that Subba had never been asked before. “How do you feel up there?” It took Subba a split second to fathom that the boy was making fun of his height. Subba towered at six feet and 10 inches, and had a much taller reputation of being an on-court tormenter.

It’s been years now. Subba has left Uttarakhand and plays for Andhra Pradesh now and is no longer a part of the national squad. Yet, the talent and skill is very much intact. His advancing years, 40 now, means fitness is an area of concern. But with strict gym routine and hardwork, Subba has been successful in keeping injuries in check. “Without daily exercise and volleyball training, it would have been impossible for me to get rid of the pain in the knees. With height comes such problems,” chuckled Subba after playing his part in defeating Rajasthan in straight sets. It was not just knee pain that the lanky spiker had to endure. It was almost impossible for him to board public transport. If not for the benefits that accompanied it, he might have told that inquisitive kid that it sucks up here.

“The height gave me good reach and I could easily negate blocks as well as fortify my defence,” Subba said.With the talent supported by height, the man who once wanted to make a name in javelin throw and basketball easily began climbing ladders of success. At the 2003 Asian Championship, he was selected as the best attacker, best blocker and the most valuable player — a rare feat for an Indian. There was a time when opponents had to plan their game taking into consideration the Subba factor. If it hadn’t been for the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) officials, the spiker would have plied his trade elsewhere.

Subba was impressive in the Dubai Rashid International tournament and the continental championship and that earned him calls from SS Lazio Pallavolo as well as another Argentinian club. But VFI were reluctant to release him citing national duty. Again, in 2005-06, he got an invite from Al-Arabi SC, Kuwait, but VFI chose not to alter their previous decision. “It was a great opportunity lost,” Subba remembers.

“Financially as well as game-wise, it would have given me a great lift. I could have got in touch with modern techniques as well as improve my financial status. In Italy, I was offered $30000 for four months while Kuwait club was willing to give me $40000 for six months,” he added.

Subba felt interaction with foreign leagues, players and coaches are the only way forward for India volleyball. “I peaked under the Bulgarian coach who was the chief mentor of the national team during my glory days. We need innovative coaches to teach us new techniques. I think it’s better to rope in foreign coaches to raise the game.” Subba, however, felt it would be tough for the current players to get global recognition because of the resurgence of teams like Iran as they steal the show.

shan.as@newindianexpress.com