Indian volleyball in turmoil as 2 players quit camp citing poor facilities, politics

Indian volleyball has been plunged into turmoil after two senior players Anand K and John Joseph quit the national camp in Ahmedabad, alleging poor facilities , incompetent coaching and selection-related politics , just months before a key international assignment.

The duo left the camp on Sunday after their confidential communication to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), highlighting concerns over training conditions at the Sports Authority of India (SAI) centre in Ahmedabad, was leaked to the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI). They were subsequently asked to apologise and disown the emails, a demand they refused despite fearing a possible ban .

“We shouldn’t have to play like this. There is no analysis, no recovery, and the coaches are outdated,” Anand told PTI, also questioning the removal of Serbian coach Dragan Mihailovic, whom he credited for improving the team’s performance. India had finished runners-up at a Central Asian tournament last year under his watch.

Both players alleged that the current camp lacks scientific training methods , with no structured programmes, performance tracking or proper workload monitoring, increasing the risk of injuries. They also flagged the absence of a strength and conditioning coach , adding that support staff, including trainers and physiotherapists, were not adequately equipped.

“Everyone feels the same, but they are unwilling to speak,” Anand claimed, also alleging the presence of “undeserving players” in the camp. John echoed the concerns, stating he stood firmly by the complaints.

The VFI, however, denied the allegations, with a senior official terming the controversy as “politics at play” and asserting that the federation was unaware of the players’ exit.

The federation is currently being overseen by a steering committee comprising members from the IOA and the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), which has granted only interim recognition to the Indian body subject to administrative reforms.

The episode comes at a crucial juncture, with Ahmedabad set to host the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men’s Cup from June 20 to 28, where 12 nations are expected to compete. The developments have raised fresh concerns over India’s preparedness and the overall state of governance in the sport.