Ukkrapandian seeks to prove age is ‘just a number’ with Ahmedabad defenders at World Club Volleyball Championship

At 37, Mohan Ukkrapandian, one of India’s most experienced setters, is set to debut for his team Ahmedabad Defenders at the 18th FIVB Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship 2023 in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Ukkra, as he is fondly called, has an experience of over two decades and started playing the sport thanks to his father’s will. Initially, he trained under S. Dakshinamoorthy, the head coach of the Defenders.

Recalling his time with the head coach, which went through ups and downs, the 6-foot-3 setter said, “I’m happy to play with him after so long. It has played a huge role in my performance so far and will continue to do so in the future. I always ask his opinion.

The Tamil Nadu setter, who plays for Calicut Heroes in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL), will be part of the Defenders squad for the World Club Championship. The Defenders, who won the 2023 PVL title, had the opportunity to strengthen the team for the tournament, with Ukkrapandian joining the team.

He has accepted the change well and is comfortable playing under his former coach.

“There is not such a difference (between the two teams) because the coach with whom I started my career is the one who leads us. Several players in the team speak Tamil, so language is not a barrier, and since I know most of the players from other national competitions and camps, there is no problem mixing,” he said. -he declared.

Ukkrapandian will be led by Muthuswamy Appavu, an 11-year-old compatriot from Tamil Nadu, who is also a setter and was trained by Dakshinamoorthy. The concept of two setters on a team is not new to Ukkrapandian, who faced a similar situation early in his career.

“When I was a new setter, my seniors would help and guide me to improve, and I used to watch their game to understand better. So I try to advise Muthuswamy based on my experience, and if he has anything to suggest, I also pay attention to it.

“Since we both played for Tamil Nadu, we understand easily, another common factor is that we have been under the tutelage of Dakshinamoorthy sir,” added the 37-year-old.

The Tamil Nadu setter, who plays for Calicut Heroes in the Prime Volleyball League (PVL), will be part of the Defenders squad for the World Club Championship. | Photo credit: Special arrangement

The Defenders will face reigning champions Itambe Minas of Brazil and Sir Sicoma Perugia of Italy on December 6 and 8 respectively. Ukkrapandian is optimistic about the team’s chances even if they don’t face this level of play.

“We haven’t faced this level of competition until now, it’s a great opportunity for us. We can prove we have the potential and compete with world-class clubs. We analyze our pluses and minuses and prepare accordingly.

With his age still a point of contention, Ukkrapandian wanted India to emulate the ‘performance first, age later’ mentality.

With around eight players aged 35 and above participating in the 2023 World Club Championship, Ukkrapandian sees this as a confidence boost.

“It’s only in India that they say you can only play until you’re 35. In other countries, selection is based on performance and not age. Even if you are old, play well and are in good shape, you will be selected. So I see competition with these players (aged 35 and over) as an opportunity. I become confident when I see them playing despite their age and I think, ‘If they can play at this age, why can’t I?'” Ukkrapandian said.

To stay fit and continue playing the sport he loves, Ukkrapandian continues to follow the strict instructions of his dietitian and trainer, whose help is crucial to his performance and to prove again and again that “age doesn’t matter.” is just a number.”