From Nets To Nets: Tamil Nadu’s Fishermen Power India In Beach Volleyball At Khelo India Beach Games 2025

Continuing their reign as India’s volleyball powerhouse, Tamil Nadu clinched gold in both men’s and women’s categories at the inaugural Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 held in Diu. While the state’s dominance in volleyball is long-established, it was the inspiring story of two young men from Palavakkam fishing community that captured the nation’s attention.

Feat Without Formal Coaching

Robin Ravi (23) and Bharat Somu (22), silver medallists at KIBG and bronze winners at the CAVA Continental Cup finals in Bangladesh (2023), have emerged from the sandy shores of their coastal village with nothing but determination, self-taught skills, and the dream of representing India on the Olympic stage.

“We live on the beach. It’s our life. Walking, working, and playing on the sand is second nature to us,” Robin and Bharat said in unison.

Their journey began amid the nets and boats of Palavakkam, inspired by local seniors playing volleyball on makeshift courts. Robin started playing at age 10, Bharat at 15 — both without formal coaching. They learned through keen observation and relentless practice on a community ground that has now become a training cradle for beach volleyball aspirants.

Their story is symbolic of a larger movement brewing in Tamil Nadu’s coastal villages. According to A J Martin Sudhakar, veteran volleyball coach and administrator, and competition manager at KIBG 2025, the fishing communities possess a natural edge for beach volleyball thanks to their familiarity with the terrain and physical resilience shaped by seaside life.

"They have been practising on a ground within their own hamlet in Palavakkam. Their dream is to represent India at the Olympics," said Sudhakar, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Tamil Nadu State Volleyball Association.

Sudhakar, a 12-year executive member of the Asian Volleyball Confederation’s Beach Council, sees immense potential in the sport’s future in India. “Beach volleyball is one of the best spectator sports. It can be developed quickly. It’s time we support it fully,” he said, urging coastal states to follow Tamil Nadu’s lead.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s infrastructure advantage, he added, “We have courts even in schools. Districts like Nagapattinam and Mayiladuthurai have consistently produced top-tier players.”

india