Date:02/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/02/stories/2007030201720200.htm

Kerala

Volleyball fever grips Payyannur

PASSION FOR THE GAME: A match under way at the GVHS Ground at Payyannur.

You cannot escape volleyball if you are in Payyannur this week. There are banners of the National Volleyball League, which opened last Sunday, all over the town. When the matches are on, the scores are relayed on a public address system, right from the venue, GVHS Ground, to the bus station.

Payyannur is, of course, well known for its passion for volleyball. "The people here are very knowledgeable about the sport," says B. Anil, former India juniors player who is representing BPCL Kochi Refineries in this tournaments. "I have been playing at Payyannur since 1996 and really enjoy playing here."

T. Govindan, the Kerala Khadi and Village Industries Board vice-chairman and former MP, would be happy to hear that, as he is heading the organising committee of the National League. "We want to bring even bigger volleyball tournaments to Payyannur," he says.

P. K. AJITH KUMAR