Tough nut Gurinder Singh wants 'universal' fame

CHANDIGARH: From facing bullying by fellow students during his school days because his father was a bus driver to representing the Indian men's volleyball team for the last 10 years, Gurinder Singh has seen it all. Trials, tribulations, fame, accolades - everything. "It has been an amazing journey," Gurinder tells TOI.
Gurinder comes from a humble family in Mohali and has waged several battles on his way to the Indian jersey.The odds that he fought has made him a tough nut. "I started playing volleyball at my school in Chandigarh when I was 12. I didn't choose any individual sport because of financial problems in the family," recollects Gurinder.
"My father was a bus driver at Shivalik Public School in Sector 41, Chandigarh and he wanted me to have good education so that I could stand on my own feet," said the 29-year-old, who plays at the 'universal' position in the Indian team.
Gurinder took to volleyball in 2001 along with his brother Hardeep, who is a member of the Punjab team.
Within three years, Gurinder was a part of the Indian boys team for an Asian meet. His rise through the ranks was swift and in 2009 at the U-21 Worlds in Pune he helped India finish fourth.
League of opportunities
Gurinder is confident that the upcoming Pro Volleyball League will revolutionise Indian volleyball. "It should have started five or six years back, but I am happy that it is finally happening," said Gurinder.
"I think it will take Indian volleyball to the next level. We will be able to play with the world's top players frequently and that will help us raise our standards. Indian volleyball has the potential to go places," he added.
Over the past decade, Gurinder, who has been associated with the sport in India for 10 years, felt the Volleyball Federation of India let the chance of popularising the sport slip by. "Every year we kept wondering when we will get a professional league, and each year we were told it wasn't happening," said Gurinder.
The tournament not only promises money and television exposure; but, most importantly, Indian spikers will get a chance to show their skills to a much wider audience.
"We hardly get such a chance to show our skill level. The Asian Games comes once every four years. If you are a young player, you have just the national championship and the Federation Cup to train for in a year," said Gurinder.
"It will be a great opportunity, especially for the players. Now, we will have a tournament to look forward to every year."
So how important will be the additional money that the players will earn from the league? The lanky Gurinder replies, "I was the captain of Indian national team for so long and I am just a head constable in Punjab Police, whereas athletes from other sport have already been appointed as DSP. So one can easily understand how important the money would be."
Hopes reignited
Despite being a sport which is full of heart-stopping moments, volleyball is still struggling for attention in India. "There is popularity; but not enough media coverage in the past, which hasn't been positive for the game. But, I hope the new league will prove to be a solution for everything that is proving to be a hindrance for the sport in India," said Gurinder.
India is ranked 38th in the world. Asked what he thinks the team needs to do improve its rankings, Gurinder replies, "Playing against top teams on a regular basis will help us develop our game and move up in the rankings."
"We have brilliant players, who are capable of performing well in international tournaments. And, we have done well over the past few years. With the arrival of the league, we will get recognition; and I am confident that from there onwards, Indian volleyball will only go up," Gurinder signed off.