Tom Joseph to turn out for Kozhikode after 17 years

KOCHI: It would be ‘many happy returns’ for Tom Joseph as he will be representing his home district, Kozhikode, in the 36th Kerala State Senior Volleyball Championship starting in Angamaly later this week.
This will be only the second time in his career that Tom will be turning out for Kozhikode. A native of Poothampara, Tom represented Kozhikode last in a state championship at Kunnamangalam in 1998.That was the only occasion he represented his native district as he shifted his base to Ernakulam the following year and played for them in the next 16 editions of the championship.
Tom, who had undergone an ankle surgery in April, will be returning to competitive action after a nine-month layoff. The Arjuna awardee will begin practice with the Kozhikode side on Thursday. “I am a bit emotional and super excited to play for Kozhikode again. We were the champions in 1998 at Kunnamangalam and this time I will be playing with some talented young players. I will give my best,” Tom told TOI.
Considered in the country as one of the best volleyball players of his generation, Tom captained India in 2000 when he was just 20. He was a key player in the national side for more than a decade. Tom led India to Rashid international volleyball tournament title in Dubai in 2000. The lanky star was the main attacker when India won SAF gold medals in 2004 (Pakistan) and 2006 (Sri Lanka).
Tom, who played a crucial role in Ernakulam’s triumph in last year’s state championship in Kuttyadi, said that it was difficult for him to keep away from the volleyball court for nine months. “It was a tough period and I struggled a lot. Nobody thought I would be able to return so fast. Now I am perfectly fit and game for the challenges ahead,” he added.
Kozhikode coach KP Vineeshkumar feels Tom’s presence in the squad will make the event more exciting. “It’s a great opportunity for young players in the team. Playing along with a legendary player like Tom will be a dream-come-true moment for all of them. They can learn a lot from him and I hope they will come up with a spirited show,” the coach said.
Anu James, from SAI Kozhikode, reckons that playing with Tom will be the biggest gain for youngsters like him. “Tom is such a quality player and we all are keen to start training with him. He is so humble and we are going to have a great time together,” said Anu.
Thirty-six year-old Tom, who is employed with BPCL, Kochi, said that his organisation has been very supportive during the period he was out of action due to injury. “I started practising with my BPCL teammates after my recovery and they have been supporting me in all possible ways. I will miss my Ernakulam teammates. But this will be a new experience for me as well. We (Kozhikode) might play against Ernakulam in the tournament and it will be a great occasion when I will be squaring up against some of the guys with whom I have played for years,” he said.