PANJIM: An upset stomach, the extreme heat of Chennai and a tough competition were not impediments for the Goan duo – Rama Dhawaskar and Nitin Sawant – to confirm their spot in Asian Games beach volleyball tournament.
Rama said the fact they were the first Goan team to represent India in the Asian Games was a dream and it was a result of hard work. With 15 teams in the tournament, Rama said the competition was intense. Since they were playing together for the first time, it took them a while to understand each other. Nitin said the experience of Rama was very helpful and added: “He kept emphasizing the fact that we were good and that we would win, before every match. He guided me when I got nervous and motivated me.”
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Speaking about the standard of the game, Rama, who has been playing for well over eight years, said the standard was good. The fact the Goan team displayed very good defence and technique was commented upon. Many international players tried but could not copy the technique of the Goan team. Rama said the movement of Nitin was excellent and he was confident he would give the ball to him even in a difficult situation.
Speaking about the overall experience of playing in Chennai, Rama pointed out that it was a hectic 2-day schedule. The heat and wind factors were very disconcerting.
Nitin said the fact he suffered from food poisoning did not help matters, as he could not sleep that night. After going to hospital, he slept and an hour before the first match he was woken up by Rama.
Asked how they intend to practise for the Asian Games, Rama said they would receive training in Chennai. However, they will start training at Miramar from Monday. They would play even in the rain. They had no idea if a foreign coach would be made available. Rama highlighted that in India one does not rely on the upper hand pass which is common abroad.
