Subba Rao walks tall in Indian volleyball scene

The moment Y. Subba Rao enters the volleyball court, all eyes inevitably veer towards him. At 2.08m (6ft 10 inches), the Indian international volleyball star towers over most of his teammates.

It is not just his height that catches the eye for once the whistle signals start of play, this lanky 24-year-old unleashes top quality volleyball.

And soon one realises why he is feared by rival spikers for he has been named Asia's 'best blocker'.

A first-timer to Abu Dhabi for the Jimmy George Memorial Volleyball championship currently under way, Rao has however been to the UAE to play in Dubai on quite a few occasions.

Rao, along with quite a few members of the Indian team, are here playing for Ahalia Exchange Bureau in the Abu Dhabi event and in a tournament in Al Ain.

SAF Games gold

Before leading India to the SAF gold after a thrilling win over traditional rivals Pakistan, Rao had blazed a trail of glory in the Asian Championships held in China in 2002. Rao was voted the 'Most Valuable Player' and won the 'Best Attacker' and the 'Best Blocker' awards as well.

Speaking to Gulf News , the gentle giant said: "That was a high point in my career. The win in the SAF Games was also a memorable one for prior to that , we had lost the junior event to Pakistan under my captaincy."Rao said the volleyball scene in India was improving steadily of late, "The Indian juniors won the silver after finishing second best to Brazil two years ago and just 15 days back we finished fourth in the Asian Championships in Thailand.

"Volleyball players are offered jobs by both the private and public sector undertakings. Recently Cochin Refineries have also started a team," said Rao, who is employed with ONGC.

Rao, who took to the game when he was 16 as a schoolboy in Delhi, said the game has also received a boost from the Indian Olympic Committee.

"Earlier the Volleyball Federation of India had to bear all the costs but now the IOC has stepped in if we are in the top four," he said.

"The Indian team is now looking at a medal in the next Asian Games to be held in Doha. With a strong string of junior players in the wings, the future looks bright for Indian volleyball," said Rao.

Apart from performing his role as a centre-blocker, Rao has also registered a high percentage of success in finishing off short-ball lifts and is a powerful spiker too.

One of India's best-known volleyball coaches, G. E Sridharan, had once remarked: "Sound technique and height is a rare combination but Rao is blessed with both."

At 24, Rao, who is still single, has a lot to offer Indian volleyball.