Diu [India]: Tamil Nadu continued its reign as India’s beach volleyball powerhouse by clinching gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 in Diu. But beyond the medals and dominance lies a story of grit, sand, and hope—emerging from the coastal hamlets of Palavakkam, where beach volleyball is more than a sport, it’s a way of life.
At the heart of this compelling narrative are Robin Ravi (23) and Bharat Somu (22), two athletes from Tamil Nadu’s fisherman community, who have risen from playing barefoot on makeshift courts to representing India at international events, including a bronze finish at the CAVA Continental Cup Finals in Bangladesh (2023). On Friday, they added a silver medal at the KIBG 2025 to their growing accolades.
“We live on the beach. It’s our life. Walking, working, and playing on the sand is second nature to us,” said Robin and Bharat, echoing the story of countless young aspirants from their community.
A Journey Rooted in Resilience
Both players began their volleyball journeys in their early teens, honing their skills by watching older players. With little to no formal coaching initially, their rise came from sheer observation, passion, and endless hours on the sand.
“They’ve trained on a simple court within their hamlet in Palavakkam. Their dream is to represent India at the Olympics,” said A J Martin Sudhakar, competition manager at KIBG and a stalwart in Indian volleyball.
Sudhakar, who coached India’s best finish in volleyball at the 2006 Asian Games (9th place), emphasized the natural advantage of coastal communities.
“The fishing lifestyle—pulling nets, walking on sand, enduring the sun—naturally conditions their bodies for beach volleyball. Their stamina, balance, and adaptability to shifting sand give them a head start,” he told SAI Media.
Talent, But No Jobs
Despite their achievements, Robin and Bharat remain unemployed, a reality that Sudhakar says must change for the sport to grow.
“Their families are modest—fathers are fishermen and plumbers. But they’ve supported the boys’ dreams. Still, without government jobs or financial backing, how long can they continue?” Sudhakar asked. “If they get jobs, at least 100 more youths from the community will follow. That’s how change happens.”
Scaling Up: A Model for India
Sudhakar announced a 10-day volleyball camp in Chennai next month, specifically for youth from fishing communities. “The community is tight-knit. If one succeeds, others follow,” he said, noting the popularity of other sand sports like kabaddi, beach football, and cricket.
KIBG 2025 marked the debut of beach volleyball on the Khelo India platform, and Sudhakar believes the time is ripe to invest fully.
“It’s one of the best spectator sports. We already have the beaches. Unlike Europe, we don’t need artificial sand courts. Just one foot of sand and a net, and you’re good to go.”
From Diu to Delhi: A National Roadmap
At KIBG, teams from Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Puducherry, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu made it to the knockouts—an encouraging sign of beach volleyball’s national potential.
“Jammu & Kashmir police players arrived a day before their match, having never trained on sand. Still, they reached the quarterfinals. That’s the power of motivation,” Sudhakar said.
He stressed that northern states can replicate Tamil Nadu’s model. “You don’t need a coastline—just create sand courts. Start through schools, provide incentives, and assign local coaches. Foreign experts from the US, Brazil, or Europe can conduct short camps. That’s how the ecosystem will grow.”
Beach Volleyball: India’s Gateway to Global Glory
“If India wants quick progress in global volleyball, beach volleyball is the way. It’s simpler, faster, and cost-effective,” Sudhakar asserted. “But we need to support our players—financially and institutionally. That’s how we build a true sports ecosystem.”
As Tamil Nadu shines at KIBG 2025, the message from its shores is clear: India’s future in beach volleyball lies in its coastal roots, and it’s time to nurture them.