Head coach rues lack of proper volleyball infrastructure in Senapati district
Source: The Sangai Express

Senapati, April 16 2025: Despite having one of the best volleyball teams in the State, Senapati district has no proper volleyball infrastructure greatly hindering the district teams' ability to train and compete effectively.

Speaking to this correspondent, P Shyam Prou, head coach of Senapati District Volleyball Association said the district is blessed with talented sports persons especially in volleyball.

The district boasts 12 National level players including 9 women, he said.

The number may swell if the district has proper volleyball infrastructure and good support from the Government, he said while lamenting lack of financial support and sports infrastructure in the district that are hindering the district to excel in sports at the State and National level.

Sports enthusiasts, coaches and sporting clubs in the district have voiced concern and frustration over the absence of proper facilities that has been hindering the potential to achieve excellence in various sports disciplines despite boasting a pool of promising athletes, he observed.

He also highlighted the achievements by Senapati Sporting Club (SSC) (men & women) in recently concluded 1st edition of Late Sepoy K Ashuli Open Memorial volleyball tournament 2025 organized by Senapati District Olympic Association Manipur (SDOAM) and 16 Assam Rifles held at the mini stadium Senapati.

In the said tournament that concluded on April 11, both men and women teams had to play outdoors amidst heavy rainfall.

The condition not only made the ground slippery but also robbed off the real talents of the finalists, he said.

He also took note of the success story of both the men and women's teams of Senapati Sporting Club (both men & women) who have been crowned champions in the State level championships in the last three editions.

The volleyball teams of Senapati district had also brought laurels to the State and district from beyond the State including 11th Kohima Open Volleyball Tournament 2024, Phek District Open Volleyball Tournament (Nagaland) in 2023 & 2024, Pfutsero Open Volleyball Championship (Nagaland) 2023 and 2024 and many more.

Praising sponsors of the district teams including Joram Koveo who is the president SDOAM, for their continuous support, Shyam all called upon authorities concerned to develop indoor training and playing facilities and help district athletes further develop their skills, build strength and learn the necessary techniques to compete at a higher level.

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