Aiming high for success. A Telgraph file picture

Jamshedpur, March 28: Along with a national-level coach, Jharkhand Volleyball Association (JVA) has also decided to hire players, who are at present playing elsewhere, but are of Jharkhand origin.

This is part of the steps JVA is taking to ensure that the fiasco at the National Games in Guwahati, where the team failed to even qualify, is not repeated again during the Games in Jharkhand.

Although the state would get a “free” entry into the event as they are the host state, the associations wants to ensure that the team comes up with a medal winning performance this time.

JVA officials pointed out there are some very good players who have migrated to other states over the years.

They have the potential of coming with brilliant performances in the National Games in Jharkhand.

JVA secretary, Shekhar Bose told The Telegraph: “We have till now not initiated talks with these players. There are quite a few who were here in the state. When the dates are announced, we would contact them,” Bose said.

Officials said the state government, too, has said it was willing to give the necessary funding to players who join the team from other states as they would come on a “leave without pay basis”.

“When the government has decided to provide stipends to these players, why would not one take advantage of the situation if it goes on to boost the performance of the team. Not only us, but other associations, too, should follow,” added Bose. JVA sources pointed out that with the National Games in Jharkhand just round the corner, it was impossible for them to go to the grassroot-level and pick up players to train them.

“There is very little time left for us to spot talented players. We have to make use of what we have. But to add to the existing team, we have decided to bring in players from other states,” Bose added.

Sources pointed out that the aspect of bringing the players from other states would not have come in the first place if the government had not turned a blind eye towards the employment issue of the players.

Now, if the players are brought in, they would have to pay them a stipend, which otherwise would have been saved, sources added.