Fishermen from tamil nadu win silver at khelo india beach games
They received no formal coaching, but Robin Ravi and S Bharat, members of
Tamil Nadu
's fishing community who smashed their way to a silver at the Khelo India Beach Games (KIBG) 2025 last week in Diu, say they got the hang of beach volleyball because "playing on the sand is second nature" to them.
"We live on the beach. Walking, working, and playing on the sand is life," says 23-year-old Bharath, who hails from Palavakkam.
"We also represented India at international events such as the Central Asian Volleyball Association (CAVA) Continental Cup in Bangladesh in 2023, winning bronze," says Ravi of Mayiladuthurai. "Our wins have kindled a passion for the sport among young boys and girls from the fishing hamlets."
The fishing community has a natural advantage, says A J Martin Sudhakar, veteran volleyball coach and administrator who was also the competition manager for the sport at KIBG 2025. "The community has given us some of the strongest players in the game. Their lifestyle of pulling fishing nets, walking on shifting sand, and constant exposure to the sun builds stamina, balance, and strength needed for beach volleyball.
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Their lower bodies are already conditioned for the uneven terrain. That's why they excel."
Bharat and Robin say the biggest deterrent for them is a lack of funds to train and travel for tournaments. "We were selected in the first round of the Asian Games last year, but because we couldn't afford tickets to attend the second round, we lost the opportunity to take part in the Olympics. Our coach, though, is helping us now," says Bharath, whose father is a plumber. He adds that he and Robin are pursuing a master's degree in hopes of finding a govt job.
"If these players get govt jobs, more youngsters from the community will take up the sport professionally."
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