Navneet Singh, 15 Sep : The towering Indian skipper Geethu Anna Jose’s first love was athletics. During her school days she excelled in track and field events. But despite winning sub junior titles in high jump, long jump and hurdles in the district Kottayam region, it was sheer irony she had to quit athletics. She recalls: “The facilities weren’t good in the school. An ordinary sand pit for high jump training was frightening, I didn’t see any future. So I switched to basketball.”
For basketball, though the infrastructure in the Mount Carmel where she did her schooling, according to Jose wasn’t that good, but school basketball coach Venugopal played a pivot role in motivating her. “I was on the verge of giving up, but my coach (Venugopal) encouraged to stay on the court,” she adds.
Athletics loss, is basketball gain. Today, Jose who stands 185 cms, is one of the most formidable player in the team. She is also the first Indian player to have played in the Australian professional league from 2006 to 2008.
Jose who is employed with the Railways and based in Chennai, shares her views and more. Excerpts.
How has been the preparation for the ABC tourney?
We have put in lot of hard work. Now, the team needs to show its mettle in the tournament.
What was your experience during the Australian professional league?
Playing with the Ringwood Hawks (Melbourne) club for three seasons (2006-2008) had done a world of good to me. It has changed my perspective towards the game. Now, I am more confident on the court.
Before switching to basketball, you also played volleyball in school?
Yes! It’s true. I was good in athletics. But quit as the facilities weren’t good. Since I was very tall, I was comfortable in playing volleyball. But there wasn’t any coach to guide the school volleyball team. So, I shifted to basketball.
Despite not-so-good infrastructure for basketball in school you continued to train?
The facilities were okay! Motivating factor was the school coach–Venugopal. His support was big morale booster to all the players.
The Australian pro league is suppose to be a turning point of your career so far?
I will say representing the country in the Melbourne Commonwealth Games in 2006 paid rich dividend. During the competition, officials from the professional clubs in Melbourne were impressed with my performance on the court. Thereafter, one of them approached me to play in the pro league. If I hadn’t participated in C‘wealth, I wouldn’t have played the pro league at all. I have learnt a lot in Australian. I am more confident now.
What do you suggest to the youngsters in the team?
Don’t give up! At the end of the day hard work will definitely pay off.