Two of India’s most experienced volleyball players, who recently faced each other in the final of the Mongolian league, were not part of even the initial 40-member national camp for the upcoming AVC Men’s Cup.
Middle blocker Jerome Vinith, who won the Mongolian league title with Tuv Mig Wolves, and Ashwal Rai, who finished runner-up with Altaiin Bars, became the first Indians to play in the league. Yet, both were initially excluded from India’s national coaching camp in Ahmedabad.
Their omission, and the events that followed, have now raised serious questions over selection criteria, governance, and the overall direction of Indian volleyball.
In an exclusive conversation with Read, Ashwal Rai and Jerome Vinith opened up about the situation.
“The mistake is getting the opportunity and playing abroad”
The official reason cited for their exclusion was that they had not participated in the national championship.
But Jerome said this was never communicated as a mandatory condition.
“Before, many players went to play abroad and came directly to the national team… But now I don’t know why they are doing this,” he told Read.
Both players had travelled to Mongolia after obtaining International Transfer Certificates (ITC), approved by the governing authorities overseeing Indian volleyball.
“The steering committee gave the ITC to play in Mongolia… we went and played, then came back. After that, they changed the criteria,” Jerome said.
He pointed to a larger contradiction.
“All over the world, players are encouraged to go and play outside, learn and come back and give their best for the country… I don’t know how this is possible here.”
For Jerome, the conclusion was stark, even though he says it sarcastically. “The mistake is getting the opportunity and playing in Mongolia.”
Ashwal Rai echoed similar concerns about how overseas participation was viewed.
“Indian players earn respect and national pride when competing in Europe, yet our participation in the Mongolia league surprisingly led to no selection,” he said.
Inclusion process raises further questions
Days after the initial exclusion, both players were included in the camp through a letter dated April 5.
But even that process appeared unclear.
“Before official mail, I got the information from some groups… not even an official group… even before my department,” Jerome said.
“After that, only I received the official letter. How the letter came outside before reaching the player, that question is there.”
He also pointed to inconsistencies in selection.
“One team lost in the quarterfinal of the national championship… but 7-8 players from that team are in the camp as a part of the final squad… how is this possible?” he said.
“You can see who performed, who reached finals… how many of them are there?” he said. Surprisingly, the current captain, Vinit Kumar, is also not part of the camp despite playing the nationals.
Even after being added later, both players chose not to join the camp.
Concerns extend beyond selection
The controversy comes at a time when the national camp, being held for the AVC Men’s Cup in Ahmedabad, is already under scrutiny.
Players Anand K and John Joseph had earlier walked out, citing lack of scientific training, absence of strength and conditioning support, no physiotherapy, and poor infrastructure.
Jerome said the concerns around training are widely known.
“Everyone knows this is not the right practice, not the right way to approach international competitions,” he said.
“Everyone knows what is needed… but they don’t want to try, they don’t want to do.” He did not hold back in describing the current system.
“They are coming back to the 1980s, 90s kind of practice… it is very difficult to grow Indian volleyball this way,” he said.
In an email addressed to the steering committee and authorities, Jerome and Ashwal had reiterated their commitment to representing India but called for a more professional setup.
They have requested that the national team be placed under coach Dragan Mihailović, under whom India recently won silver at the CAVA Nations League.
Backing the demand for a more structured setup, Ashwal pointed to the impact of former coach Mihailović.
“When Dragan arrived in India, he revamped two courts, digitised operations, taught us advanced techniques, and showcased our progress. So, after such upgrades, what’s the point of reverting to the old system when Bangalore SAI offers these top facilities?” he said.
He also highlighted the lack of international exposure.
“Dragan pushed for exposure matches, pushed us to improve, but they didn’t respond and ignored it,” Ashwal added.
Financial concerns
Jerome also made a separate claim regarding a past international assignment.
“Yes, I paid almost 1.5 lakhs… not for selection, for a ticket to Japan,” he said, referring to the 2021 Asian Championship in Japan.
He added that players were told the amount would be refunded after the tournament.
“They said after coming back, we will get a refund in two weeks. Now it’s been 5 years… we didn’t get one,” he said.
According to him, players have proof of payment.
While speaking about the money refund issue, Ashwal struck a more emotional note.
“We didn’t feel much about it then, because playing for India… bringing medals opens bigger stages for young talent,” he said.
Despite the situation, Jerome maintained that the players’ intent is not confrontational.
“We don’t want politics… we just want to play volleyball,” he said.
“Players are already struggling. Please don’t do this again and again to the volleyball players,” Jerome concluded.
“But it’s heartbreaking to see all this unfold internally. Our true motive is to represent the country,” Ashwal signed off.
With the AVC Men’s Cup approaching and pressure mounting from within and outside the system, the coming days could prove crucial for Indian volleyball.
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