Contribution of Karnataka Volley Ball Association towards the Development of Volleyball Game in Karnataka: A Study

The first YMCA center in India was started in the year 1854 in Calcutta and there were 35 YMCAs in India even before the game was invented in the year 1890. Hence, there was no much delay in bringing the game to India through YMCA centers. However, somewhere around 1900s the game was presented in India by Dr. John H. Gary and others. The game which was widely taught in YMCA, Madras, was later introduced in military training centers like MEG, ASC and LRDE in Bangalore. Soon this game became favourite sport of military personnel and public as well. Also the game was introduced in military training centers. Perhaps in the year 1913 or 1914 the game was in practice in the Department of Physical Education, Madras which was established by National council of YMCA in the year 1913. Before the establishment of Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) in the year 1951, the game was controlled by Indian Olympic Association. The Inter State volleyball Championship was conducted every 2 years between 1936 and 1950 for men category only. The first Championship was held in the year 1936 at Lahore (now in Pakistan). In 1951, volleyball Federation of India was formed and its first meeting was held in Ludhiana (Punjab). VFI is a member organization of FIVB (Federation Inter Nationale de volleyball) as well as of Asian volleyball Confederation. Further VFI is also accredited to Indian Olympic Association and General Association of National Sports Federation. Though, headquartered in Chennai VFI is an active organization with activities spread across the length and breadth of the country. At present VFI is headed by Avadesh Kumar (previously by Dr. B. Sivanthi Adityan) as the President followed by 74 honorary members contributing at various levels for the promotion of the game in India.

In Madras, the YMCA College of Physical Education was started in the year 1920 owing to the sincere efforts of Harry Crowe Buck, a qualified physical director deputed from North American YMCA. Then, due to the influence of YMCA the game was introduced in the military training centers like MEG, ASC and LRDE in Bangalore. An article published in Karnataka Sangathi brought by Government of Karnataka establishes the fact that volleyball Association was formed in the year 1949 existed there on in old Mysore. Later, the Association

V.M. Rangaswamy was selected as the Secretary. Mr. Iqbal Hussein organized many programs to popularize the game in the State. In the year 1954, Hussein formed the first district association and in the subsequent years Tumkur, Mandya, Mysore, Bangalore and Kolar formed their own associations. In the year 1973 Mysore State Volleyball Association was renamed as Karnataka Volleyball Association. Today, Karnataka Volleyball Association has 29 district volleyball associations for its credit. KVA has been affiliated to Volleyball Federation of India, Karnataka Olympic Association and recognized by Sports Authority of Karnataka. There were 255 private clubs registered to the Association of which 200 were situated in the Bangalore city. The remaining 55 clubs existed in rural areas of the State. Women volleyball club started in the year 1973 in the State and all of them were situated in the city of Bangalore and one of them district headquarters improved the quality of volleyball among women. KVA started organizing State championship in the year 1973 under various categories. Right from 1952 the KVA is functioning well and has been putting efforts to make the game popular and flourishing. The office bearers and members of the association along with the support of many sports lovers collectively striving for the development of the in the State.

To trace the history and to analyse the continuity and changes in Volleyball game in Karnataka. To find the relationship between sports, society and politics in Karnataka. To make an analysis of organizational and administrative aspects of Karnataka Volleyball Association in developing and promoting Volleyball game in Karnataka.

The present study would be useful to researchers, scholars, administrators, bureaucrats, sportsmen, policy makers etc. 1. The study explores the evolution of Volleyball in Karnataka State. It also provides an insight into the various stages of development of volleyball since independence. 2. The study analyses the data about several individuals and clubs which contributed for the development of volleyball in the State. general through sports activities. 4. The study enlightens authorities to take steps in increasing the standard of the volleyball game in Karnataka.

KVA has been systematic and meticulous in organizing tournaments. The Association also guides and supervises the activities and tournaments organized by other clubs under its banner. KVA has an excellent record of organizing State level and National level tournaments in befitting manner. Consequently, it has been accredited as one of the best Associations affiliated to Volleyball Federation of India. All this happened in absence of sufficient funds received by Sports Authority of Karnataka. KVA needs approximately 18 to 20 lakhs annually to organize necessary tournaments, whereas they get only 3.5 to 4 lakhs per year. (See Annexure-4 proposed budget copy of 2010-11 for the grants received from SAK and other departments) The President and Secretary of the association borrow money on goodwill or for interest to run some prestigious events. They get sponsors when they are fortunate. In spite of all these bottlenecks, from 1992 onwards the association has been providing travelling allowances, daily allowances, accommodation and colours to the players without any break which was not happened so in earlier.

In the direction of popularizing the game, under the auspices of government KVA has been organizing various championships under various categories in the State. Private clubs also have been actively organizing the championships on behalf of KVA. During 1973 KVA started organizing State Championships and League tournament as well, and in 1978 a resolution was passed stating that only district Associations are to participate in State Championships in view to encourage district Associations and ignite their style of functioning. Following are the details of some official tournaments those were organized for first time and have been continued to organize henceforth in Karnataka

The list of programs generally performed by KVA is given hereunder. In addition, the association executes other activities which help in promoting volleyball game in the State. Annexure-5a-5b (Annual report for the year 2012-13 submitted to Karnataka Olympic Association) provides evidence for the various activities it executes during a year. 1. To conduct district championships in all category. 2. To conduct ‘A’ and ‘B’ division league matches for men and women where top teams of the State participate and ranking is given. 3. To conduct State League and Association Cup for seniors. 4. To conduct referee courses, referee clinics and referee examinations. 5. To conduct Inter Collegiate and Inter School competitions to locate the talents. 6. To conduct any tournament of any category whenever required.

The Karnataka State has numerous referees of National and International caliber who have been guiding and inspiring their juniors to bring laurels to State. The renowned International volleyball Referees of Karnataka are 1. Margalingam P. 2. Balaji Prabhu M.S. 3. Balaji B.A. 4. Bette Gowda 5. Nagendra M. K. are;

To monitor volleyball activities in efficient manner and to ease the burden of administration of KVA, district volleyball Associations are formed. After the formation of Association, KVA has been systematic and meticulous in organizing tournaments. To ensure the quality of tournaments and other activities KVA also guides and supervises the other clubs which organize championships under its banner. KVA has an excellent record of organizing State level, National level and Inter National tournaments in befitting manner. Consequently, it has been accredited as one of the best Associations affiliated to volleyball Federation of India. The first IVL match in India was organized by KVA in 2011 establishes its commitment for the game. Third Asian Central Zone Championship 2010 organized by KVA is an added feather to the reputation of the Association. Insufficient funds allocated to Association never came in the way of its accomplishment. The President Lokesh Gowda and Secretary of the Association Nanda Kumar had to borrow money on goodwill or for interest to run some prestigious events. Often they find sponsors for their help. To host competitions KVA forms various committees for the smooth flow of the competitions. KVA conducts workshops and referee examinations very frequently to raise the standards of volleyball officials in the State.

Tournaments are the source of inspiration for the players. They keep the players on the move. Tournaments conducted by political parties,

contributed for the development of volleyball in Karnataka. Various championships conducted regularly at National and State level by KVA, District Associations and Private clubs for different age groups are also reason for the popularity of the game in Karnataka. The most interesting part is that, all the outstanding players who have achieved at National and International level are from rural places. Hence, contribution of rural places for the game is remarkable in Karnataka. The Association cup started in Karnataka exclusively conducted for the first eight strong teams qualified through State league matches are helping in sharpening the quality of leading volleyball players of Karnataka. Many sports activities like Dasara Sports, Rural Sports, women sports, mini Olympics, School Games, University Sports Competitions, Government Employee’s tournaments etc. are organized regularly in the State.

Dr. Hardayal Singh (1997). “Sports Performance”. NIS Bangalore: Bangalore Publications. Kamath, Suryanath U., (Ed) (1982). “Karnataka State Gazetteer Part-I”. Bangalore, Govt. Press, Govt. of Karnataka. Madalagere, Rangappa M. K. (2008). “Volleyball Kreedajagattu”, A self-published book, Bangalore. Margalingam P. (1999). “21st Federation Cup National Volleyball Championship Souvenir”. Pathanamthitta District Volleyball Association.

Research Scholar, Dravidian University, Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh