Girls practise volleyball at the court at Khurut Dharmatala Barowari Samity. Picture by Gopal Senapati

A high iron fence surrounds the 10-cottah plot on Dharmatala Lane where, as soon as the summer afternoon sun descends, girls of various heights and ages gather to practise volleyball. Since 1974, Khurut Dharmatala Barowari Samity is known for its volleyball team that participates in various state and national tournaments. The club has made a name for itself in volleyball training and is one of the few volleyball practice grounds for girls of Howrah.

At a time, 40 to 50 girls can practise on the field. In the last few years, girls have been joining the club in droves and there has been a spurt in women’s participation in the game.

“The parents of the girls are happy with the security at this ground as the place is fenced in and no outsider is allowed,” said Ajay Mukherjee, the head of volleyball at the club. Not just security, the ambience is also attractive. Floodlights illuminate the ground and the court at the centre. The attraction of playing under lights in a volleyball court brings the girls to practice everyday.

“For some years we had noticed a slump in the number of admissions in volleyball. But the demand has risen again, mainly because of the job opportunities. Although there are only certain areas where girls can get jobs through the sports quota, parents want their daughters to put in their best and reach their goals,” said Mukherjee.

Khurut Dharmatala Barowari Samity was formed by some locals of Khurut for running the local Dharmaraj temple. Initially, the samity was restricted to only running of the temple and organising the annual Dharmaraj puja every year on Buddha Purnima. While this activity still remains, the club members decided to start volleyball training on the premises.

“One of our members, Tapan Banerjee, was secretary of the Howrah District Volleyball Association. At that time, there were very few clubs in Howrah that trained girls in volleyball. We started with training for both boys and girls but four years back we stopped taking boys. One of the reasons was that there were many clubs in Howrah training boys in volleyball but there was none for girls. At present, I have an optimum number of players,” said Mukherjee.

In 2009, the ground got its protective fencing and a multigym for girls through aid from the state government. The club also receives the Rs 2 lakh grant from the state government for club sports every year. The monthly fees is Rs 30 but there are many who cannot afford to pay this meagre amount.

“There are some who come from underprivileged families. Their parents either sell fish in the local market or are labourers. We generally don’t take fees from such students,” said Mukherjee. There are also some who come from far off places like Domjur and Bauria. “They come for the ambience and safety of the place,” said Mukherjee.

Players from Khurut Dharmatala Barowari Samity have been to state and national tournaments. The club was district champion in senior volleyball last year. Many have played in age group tournaments in school sports. Last year, six girls participated at the school nursery, school junior and school senior tournaments in Howrah district. “This year the club was runners up at the senior super league,” said Mukherjee.

While the club’s performance continues to improve, Mukherjee is proud of the girls who are playing well on this ground. “There are some promising players who genuinely practice hard and want to perform well. I am sure they will be able to go far. But I don’t see the fire in them to play for India,” laments Mukherjee.

Practice is usually in the afternoons. “Most of them are school going and cannot come for practice in the morning. However, before important tournaments, we have to give them extra practice time. They come in the mornings as well to play in natural light,” said Mukherjee.

Factfile

• Name: Khurut Dharmatala Barowari Samity
• Address: 17, Dharmatala Lane, Khurut
• Estd: 1914
• Activities: Volleyball