Muristek
New Delhi, January 25
National team player Ranjit Singh is itching to get back on court. Not having seen much action over the last two years due to the pandemic, Ranjit is counting down the days till the start of the Prime Volleyball League, which is set to start on February 5.
The setter, who first donned the India colours as a 17-year-old with the youth team and went on to captain the senior team in 2014, said the "pandemic hurt sportspersons the most".
"We have not played anything in the last two years," said Ranjit, who hails from Tarn Taran in Punjab.
"The juniors who become the backbone of the senior team never got to play and many of them now cannot play in that age group anymore," the 30-year-old added.
"The same was with us. The toughest part was to keep fit and this is the reason why many are not available in the league. At least we will get a few games because of the league now. It will also be a platform for some of the young players to shine. If they showcase their talent they may get a direct entry to the national team," added Ranjit, who has been bought by Bengaluru Torpedoes in the league. Ranjit, a sub-inspector with Punjab Police, said he was able to train a little during the lockdowns. "There were restrictions but as you know people follow their own rules in villages. I could do my exercises and sometimes play volleyball in the evenings," Ranjit said.
Life in a bubble
Ranjit, who spoke to The Tribune from the confines of his hotel room, added that even though life inside the bubble could be difficult, elite athletes have the ability to cope with the challenge. "It is not a big deal. Firstly, the bubble is to keep us healthy as we are of no use to our team if we get sick with the virus. Secondly, we train twice a day and the only time we get free is during the afternoon when we take a nap and after the evening session when we are usually talking to our families," said Ranjit, who has made 50 appearances for the senior India team.