Maa mastaru - English

THE

service th e saga of his role in th e promotion of in dian volleyball

THE

MADE FOR

BIOGRAPHY

VOLLEYBALL

KODANDA RAMAIAH

of

SREE RAMANENI

I know all things through Volleyball.

They strengthen me.

‘Service’... with gladness...

THE

SERVICE

Index

the saga of his role in the promotion of indian volleyball

Foreword

04

Early Days

07

Guru Brahma

14

Organizer par Excellence

17

An All Rounder

27

The Dream Project

29

A New Year Gift

37

Memorable Personalities

39

Mastaru's Views

44

Opinions

49

Important Incidents

59

High Tension Moments

62

Down Memory Lane

65

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KODANDA RAMAIAH SREERAMANENI

FOREWORD Shri. Sreeramaneni Kodanda Ramaiah is an exemplary personality who is the epitome of what a 'Guru' should be. A Guru in the true sense is the embodiment of the Trimurthis, Brahma, Vishnu & Maheshwara. Shri.Kodanda Ramaiah, shaped our game like Lord Brahma, placed the sport on a high pedestal like Lord Vishnu and has always provided support and protection to the sport like Lord Shiva.

Above all these qualities, he remained a great human being who always trod the path of right against wrong sometimes at considerable personal loss. He proved to be a great friend & mentor with whom we could always share our problems and find solutions with the help of his sagacious advice.

Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah's achievements as a player and a coach are unparalleled. He worked hard and set seemingly impossible goals which he achieved with absolute perseverance. He also motivated everyone else to give their best and never compromised while training players. Known as a tough task master as far as setting targets for players and making them achieve the same, he was par excellence. We might have struggled, but once we achieved the target and enjoyed the success, the joy was immense.

Off the court Shri.Kodanda Ramaiah was a jovial friendly person who moved with us like a friend. He would take care of all the needs of his trainees and would not rest till every problem of his trainees was resolved.

He loves all other games equally and is always ready to extend a helping hand whenever his help is sought by associations of other sports. Sports is very close to his heart to this day & he goes all out sparing no effort in arranging felicitations for outstanding sportspersons of all disciplines whenever they excel in the National or International competitions, to motivate them. There are innumerable sportspersons of different sports all over the country who have benefited from his personal benevolence & support.

Although there are many individuals and organisations ready to extend all help to him even without asking, Shri.Kodanda Ramaiah has never craved for individual glory and name or any sort of personal gain. His complete commitment was to ensure that the players improve their game record, secure big wins and come up in life not only as a player but as an individual of worth in society.

...MAA MASTARU The life of Shri.Kodanda Ramaiah, as a coach and organiser who launched the mega sports training centre Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation for Indian sportspersons, reflects discipline, determination, vision as well as a great fighting spirit, which should inspire not only sportspersons but people from other walks of life. We are bringing out this book by way of expressing our gratitude to our Master which is sure to motivate future generations.

This book is not just about the life of Shri.Kodanda Ramaiah but also a collection of his memories. We have included his experiences, thoughts as well as the personalities and organisations which inspired him throughout his life to sum up his life-story as far as possible. This literary endeavour will reveal how he proved himself an effective and successful coach and also contains the observations made by his friends, associates and disciples about his impact on their lives. We have learnt a lot from him on several topics such as how to conduct a training camp or a major tournament without a hitch.

For a coach, player and sports organiser, this is certainly a book worth reading'. We are grateful to all those involved in bringing out this book and wish that it will make an impact not only on Master's disciples but also on all the readers and provides inspiration to the present generation of sportspersons.

We wish our Guru Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah stays hale and healthy in the years to come so that Indian Volleyball in particular and all other sports in our country in general continue to benefit from his support & guidance as well as lead us in our endeavour to follow in his footsteps.

- Arikapudi Ramana Rao Indian Volleyball player, Arjuna and Dronacharya awardee.

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The great lesson of biography is to show what man can be and do at his best.

A sports man’s life put fairly on record acts like a inspiration to others

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SERVICE the saga of his role in the promotion of indian volleyball

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Early Days

With Father S. Rama Ro, mother Annapurnamma, brother Vijay Kumar Babu

It is a case of a boy from a doctor's family veering off from the tradition of the family to become a Volleyball player and then a renowned coach, earning appreciation across the country and providing livelihood to a couple of hundreds through the game of Volleyball. His parents, Dr. Rama Rao and Smt. Annapurnamma are from Nandigama village in Krishna district. Dr. Rama Rao being a doctor, wanted his son Kodanda Ramaiah also to become a doctor. But when his son showed interest in sports and decided to devote his life to Volleyball Dr. Rama Rao and all others in the family extended total support to him.

Kodanda Ramaiah did his primary schooling in Nandigama and Guntur and Intermediate at the Layola College, Vijayawada. Due to his passion for sports, he enrolled in the degree course at Osmania University, Hyderabad where he continued with his daily Volleyball practice at Fathe Maidan. From there commenced his long saga of coaching and organising events and constantly taking care of the needs of sportspersons. His family's support in all this played a major role.

With Wife Smt. Sathi Anasuya

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The Beginning Way back in 1955, a 15 years old boy was watching Volleyball and was mesmerised by the great Shri Buchi Ramaiah playing the game with his team in the Guntur Hindu College. It was for the first time he was watching the game and was immediately impressed. "Can I play like them, will they allow me to join them", he wondered and made up his mind then & there to take a shot at the game. He went up to Shri. Buchi Ramaiah & asked if he could play. The Volleyball legend immediately obliged and thus Sreeramaneni Kodanda Ramaiah stepped into the Volleyball court for the first time and learnt the basics. His journey commenced from there with no looking back & the rest is history on how he made a great career in the sport and how Indian Volleyball, the sportspersons under his tutelage and several other sports were encouraged & supported in the following decades.

First Teacher Shri. Ch. Buchi Ramaiah

It was while the Russians were ruling the roost having bagged World championships four times when the All India Volleyball Federation invited the 15-time Russian captain Mr. Pimnov to train the Indian players. Mr. Pimnov conducted a training camp in 1958 in Madras, where Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah participated along with Shri. Ch. Buchi Ramaiah. The regularity in practicing the game and important basic tips taught in the camp inspired Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah a lot. In the same year, he got selected to the Osmania University Volleyball team. He was among the key players of the team that achieved the All-India Inter-University title at Nagpur. Later he joined as Andhra State team member in 1959 to grow as a captain in 1962.

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National Volleyball coaching Camp 1958 by VFI conducted by Pivanov

Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah's forays into coaching began in real earnest after securing a diploma in coaching from the National Institute of Sports, Patiala in 1964.

At the outset of his coaching career, he conducted training camps all over Andhra Pradesh from Chittoor to Srikakulam with the help of Sports Council in which hundreds of players were trained. He was the main force behind training the Volleyball teams of SBI of Tamil Nadu, Madras Customs, Indian Bank, Madras and Tirupur Textiles etc. During that time, one of these teams would invariably emerge as winners. He shouldered the responsibility of coach of the Indian team in 1978 and prepared to participate in the First Asian Championship held in Bahrain.

He continued to work as a coach from 1966 to 1970 and later in 1971, he was entrusted with the responsibility of training the Andhra University team when Shri.

Lankapalli Bullayya was Vice-Chancellor.

Andhra University Volleyball team 1961 at Cuttack

Andhra Volleyball team 1962

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1964 during NIS Diploma at Patiala, Punjab

With Olympian Weightlifter and Asian Record Holder Sri. Kamineni Eswar Rao and his Guru Ranga Das

With Shri. Bharathan Nair, Shri. Palana Swamy and Pappan during World Qualification Tournament at New Delhi 1963.

During Advanced Coaching Diploma at Leipzig, Germany

THE In 1971, Kodanda Ramaiah visited the then East Germany for a diploma course.

He was surprised by the interest shown towards sports there. He learnt that children would not be allowed in nursery school if they did not know swimming. He also noticed that four percent of the National budget was allocated to sports. He observed that Germany, with a mere 1.4 crore population, was able to secure over 100 medals in the Olympics since sports is part and parcel of their life, while for Indians it is mere entertainment. Even today, there is no substantial change in our concept for encouraging sports, he laments.

SERVICE the saga of his role in the promotion of indian volleyball

He is emphatic on the fact that to train the students in all sports, indoor coaching centres must be set up, so that necessary coaching could be imparted to children from the age of four to eight years throughout the year by chalking out an action plan. If children at the age of 15 or 16 years join for coaching, when they will grow as players, he questions.

Unforgettable European Adventure Winning Osmania University Volleyball Team 1966 as a coach

While doing his Diploma Course in East Germany Shri Kodanda Ramaiah thought of visiting the rest of Europe & England when he had a short vacation of eight days. With one of his close confidants promising to help him for his Europe visit, he made his journey with only eight dollars. There was no mode of latest banking transactions at that time. While going to London, he was not able to meet his friend who promised financial help as he was away from London at that time. A Sardarji became his friend at the Amsterdam railway station who accompanied him. There were areas in Amsterdam where a huge number of 'hippies' dancing to the tunes of various songs in a jubilant mood, which was observed

by Kodanda ramaiah and Sardarji and in no time, the police swung into action and resorted to baton charge as the 'hippies' were creating public nuisance.

Advance Coaching Diploma Course at Leipzig, GDR 1970

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Kodanda Ramaiah says that most of the youth were attracted to that type of jubilant activities. Having no much money between them, they finally reached London after walking a distance of 100 kms. Both Kodanda Ramaiah and Sardarji on visiting London enquired a taxi driver about the route to Hyde Park who suggested to go by a train as it was ten kms distance. Irked over their doubt to know the shortest way to go there by walk, the taxi driver began rebuking the duo as 'Bloody Indians, simply come without money as beggars'. However the Sardarji prevented the wordy duel and they went to the museum, where they found a majority of Indian material displayed, including the wealth exploited by the British from India. Whenever, they felt hungry, they would eat bread with a pickle and took shelter at railway platforms.

Andhra Team at Kolkata Nationals 1966

From London they went to Paris, where an Indian provided accommodation and food. United Nations Organization in Geneva was their next place of visit where a Pakistan national gave them food stating that 'all are brothers'. Later, they returned to Germany after witnessing the arrangements being made for the 1972 Olympics at Munich.

In 1973, he visited Madras for coaching the Tamil Nadu State team. It was here that he met his mentor Shri. Sivanthi Adityan and Shri. Siva Subrahmanyam who gave him a lot of encouragement & moral support.

He earned fame as a good Volleyball coach in Tamil Nadu itself when his monthly salary was a mere Rs. 250 which was equal to his house rent in the 1970s. He somehow managed by getting all essential commodities from his native village.

Thirupur Textile Volleyball Team

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Indian Team preparation Asian Volleyball Championship 1978 at Tiruppur, Tamilnadu

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Winner of Rural National Team held at Selam, Tamilnadu, 1971

Further Training in USA With the aim to bring about significant changes in the very system of play in Volleyball, Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah paid a visit to the USA to do a specialized course in 1978 with the financial backing of Shri. Siva Subrahmanyam. Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah was given charge of the Indian Volleyball Team as Coach in 1978. He conducted a coaching camp in Bangalore in which famous players including Ballu, Ranaveer Singh, Kutti Krishnan, Suresh Mishra and Sridhar participated. In 1979, the Indian Volleyball Team represented the country in the Asian Championship held in Bahrain for the first time under his tutelage.

Tamilnadu Senior Men State Coaching camp for the preparation of Senior Nationals.

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His Role as Gurubrahma He played the game enjoying every bit of it and after some time turned to coaching, at the advice of his teacher Shri. Suryanarayana. His teacher must be thanked by disciples and admirers of Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah for the wise piece of advice. And a new chapter in Indian Volleyball, in terms of coaching and more importantly, a coach who cared for his wards like his own children was opened.

Out of the three roles as a player, a coach and an organizer when he is asked which role he enjoyed the most Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah immediately says 'Coach' without any hesitation. He never thought of limiting himself to the role of a coach but mingled with the trainees as a godfather, mother and brother, being stern when required, while catering to their well being at all times.

The parents of the trainees too had complete faith in him, entrusting him with the responsibility of correcting their wards.

If anybody questions what he had earned from serving the cause of sports, he proudly replies that he has earned a wealth of valuable disciples worth more than crores of rupees. 'Soon after the completion of the coaching camps, when I saw players shedding tears as they were leaving my association, I too became emotional due to the bonding with my trainees. Wherever I go to any State or country, my disciples contact me which is a great reward in itself', he claims.

With Three Arjuna & Dronacharya Awardees of Indian Volleyball Sri. G.E. Sridharan, Sri. M. Syamsundar Rao and A. Ramana Rao

With Volleyball Players Sri. M. Syamsundar Rao and A. Ramana Rao who got Arjuna & Dronachaya Awardee later years.

Coaching Camp at Lal Bahadur Stadium, Hyderabad, 1965

Players taken care of Due to the lack of sufficient support from the government Shri Kodanda Ramaiah used to provide accommodation and food in his home itself to his disciples besides imparting coaching, despite facing severe financial problems. Without depending upon the government's help, he always worked with a concept of treating the players as his own children to grow in sports life and simultaneously pave the way to improve the image of the country & make it proud. When he was in a small room near Ravindra Bharati in Hyderabad or at Pattabhipuram in Guntur or in Chinna Waltair in Visakhapatnam, he carried food packets to his disciples from his home. In his endeavours he was fortunate to get full support from his family members especially from his wife. Even the noted politicians Dharmana Prasada Rao and Dharmana Krishna Das are his disciples 15 who recall their stay with their coach.

Indian Team Asian Volleyball Championship, Bahrain

During NIS Diplome at NIS Patiala with School Team

With Korean Coaches during Asian Volleyball Championship, Bahrain

Organizer par excellence

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India Vs Australia Test match 1982

Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah earned accolades as a coach and later proved himself an able administrator & great organizer by conducting several major international and national events. These sporting events were held at many places but Visakhapatnam witnessed a mega sports event, the World Junior Men's Volleyball Championship which was conducted with outstanding success. There is no doubt that he is one among the very few sports personalities who organised so many programmes on a large scale in the country. He strived hard to promote Volleyball as an organizer and as President of AP Volleyball Association from 1982 to May 2015. For the first time, a foreign Volleyball team, Australia stepped into Visakhapatnam in 1981-82 and played against India. A team from Madras erected temporary stands to accommodate 10,000 spectators at the Police stadium to witness this match. With this match, he convinced the district officials and the police that a major event could be held at Visakhapatnam after overcoming some teething problems.

Later largely due to his dedication, efforts and training the Indian team could win the Asian under-18 championship in 2003 for the first time in Visakhapatnam and also finished runner-up in the World championship held in Thailand in the same year. He also led AP teams of men and women who won National Championships to various countries including Australia, Singapore, Malaysia and Bangkok.

Senior National Volleyball Championship held at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh 1983

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With his continuous efforts, the Port City Vizag turned out to be Macca for Volleyball by 2005 and the National Volleyball Academy was established in the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant. Since then, Vizag has carved a niche on the International sports map for Volleyball with five players being selected from Vizag itself to represent India. The entire credit of the achievement goes to Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah.

He also conducted a tournament in Vijayawada inviting the Russian team during 1982 and again in 1997. He led the Indian team in the Beach Volleyball tournament held in Chicago, where tournaments are held every week and month. Indian players Rajkumar and Basheer were among the four settled there. Later, the Telugu Association of North America (TANA) felicitated Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah and Shri. Shyam Sundar Rao in Chicago.

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Felicitation to Shri. Bharathan Nair during Senior National Volleyball Championship held at Guntur, AP. 1983

Felicitation to Smt. Mulini Reddy Arjuna Awardee during Senior National Volleyball Championship held at Guntur, AP 1983

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Felicitation to Shri. Ballu during Senior National Volleyball Championship held at Guntur, AP. 1983

Felicitation to Shri. Arikapudi Ramana Rao Arjuna Awardee during Senior National Volleyball Championship held at Guntur, AP 1983

The credit of taking Andhra Pradesh Men and Women Volleyball teams for the first time to Singapore also goes to Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah. The Asian Youth Volleyball Championship conducted in Visakhapatam during 2003, also brought laurels to him.

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With Olympian Weightlifter & Asian Record holder Shri. Kamineni Eswara Rao along with Shri. M. Syam Sundar Rao Arjuna & Dronacharya Awardee in Volleyball and Vetaran Volleyball player Venkata Swamy.

With Mr. Jizhong Wei Former President FIVB and Padmasri. Sivanthi Adityan during Asian Youth Volleyball Championship 2003.

His self-less service and dedicated efforts in promoting sports led to the conduct of two International Tournaments in Vijayawada, Nationals in Visakhapatnam and Guntur and also four Test Matches in Visakhapatnam between India and Australia, Japan, Pakistan and Egypt. He was instrumental in securing Asian Youth Volleyball Championship in 2003 and World Junior Volleyball Championship in 2005. After the conduct of World Volleyball Championship in Vizag, the Indian team was given a warm standing ovation in Geneva, for which the entire credit goes to the Mastaru.

Along with Arjuna Awardees during Senior National Volleyball Championship 1997.

With Bobba Murali Volleyball promoter and sponsor for Indian Beach Volleyball Team 1997

Egypt Vs India Volleyball Test Series at Port Stadium, Visakhapatnam

Asian Youth Volleyball Championship 2003 Winning team 'India'.

World Junior Men (Un-21) Volleyball Championship 2005 view at Port Stadium, Visakhapatnam

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World Junior Men (Un-21) Volleyball Championship 2005 Participating teams

Brazil

Cuba

Germany

India

I.R. Iran

Morocco

Netherlands

Russia

Serbia & Montenegro

Tunisia

USA

Korea

2003 Asian Youth Volleyball Championship Shri. Ramana Rao, Kodanda Ramaiah, Sivanthi Adityan, Ganna Babu, K. Murgan, Prasanna Kumar with FIVB Officials

1986 Hyderabad, Japan - India Test Match Inauguration with N.T Rama Rao, Chief Minister of A.P

2005 Visakhapatnam, World Junior Volleyball Championship Inauguration with N. Janardhana Reddy, Chief Minister of A.P

2003 Visakhapatnam, Asian Youth Volleyball Championship Inauguration with Y. Rajashekar Reddy, Chief Minister of A.P

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Some Tense moments During his long tenure, Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah survived quite a few tense moments. In 1995, he was taking the Indian Youth Volleyball team to Doha for a match. The team, coming by train from Bengalore was scheduled to reach Mumbai by 6 a.m. and catch a flight at noon. As the train was running late, tension mounted and Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah waiting at the airport was keeping track of the train. Venu, a Volleyball player with the Customs was sent to the railway station to give him updates of the train's arrival. Meanwhile Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah was talking with the airport authorities to delay the flight and they obliged citing a "technical snag" and thanks to his efforts, the team could catch the flight. After reaching Kattar, they left for a five star hotel to stay.

The team despite its maiden experience of playing in other countries still played well under the leadership of Coach Syamsundar and stood as runners-up in the tourney. Surprisingly, Indian Muslims and Muslim elders who attended the match encouraged the Indian team and most of them had tried to meet the Indian players in person. As the officials working there were unable to control the surging crowds to meet the Indian players, they imposed a rule that no outsider was supposed to meet the players. 'The sports spirit would further strengthen the ties between two countries', Kodanda Ramaiah felt.

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Manager for Asian Youth Volleyball Championship with the Head Coach M. Syamsundar Rao.

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FIVB Development Centre Opening Ceremony at Chennai Shri. RubĂŠn Acosta Hernandez, Padmasri. Sivanthi Adityan.

The young team despite its lack of experience of playing in other countries performed very well under the coaching of Shri M Shyam Sundar Rao and finished runners-up in the tourney. The locals and Indians living in Doha supported the team to the hilt and there was a scramble to meet the Indian players. As the tournament officials could not manage the crowd they made a rule that no outsider would be permitted to meet the players. Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah stated later that the tournament helped in creating a lot of goodwill for the country.

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Volleyball Federation of India Coaches Clinic 1997

Japan Vs India Test match at Hyderabad 1984

Senior National Men Winning Team Andhra Pradesh with Shri. N.T. Rama Rao Ex. Chief Minister, AP.

Felicitation during Senior National Volleyball Championship at Visakhapatnam to Sports Awardees.

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VOLLEYBALL Felicitation to Hockey legend Shri. Dhanaraj Pillai Arjuna awardee by Shri. H.J. Dora IPS

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Felicitation to Smt. Karanam Malleswari and Smt. Neelamsetti Lakshmi who secured Gold and silver medals in the World Weightlifting Championship

Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah - An All Rounder Many organizers conducting other games too, used to seek guidance and suggestions from Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah, as he did not limit himself to only Volleyball. In 2003, the Vice President of All India Tennis Association, Raja Narasimha Rao sought Shri.

Kodanda Ramaiah's help in conducting an ITF prize money tournament. When the then District Collector said it was not possible to get the courts and surroundings cleared of bushes and garbage, Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah arranged for a bulldozer with his own funds of Rs. 70,000 and made the venue ready. Today the place boasts of five courts.

Felicitation to Hockey legend Shri. Mukhesh Arjuna awardee by Shri. H.J. Dora IPS

Sports personalities felicitated He organized functions on a large scale in the city to honour noted sportspersons like Dhanraj Pillai, Mukesh Kumar, Karanam Malleswari and Neelamsetti Lakshmi. He recommended to the government to allot sites of 500 Sq yards each as a token of honour to these sportspersons. He also helped in collecting donations for the conduct of Tennis, Weightlifting and Boxing tournaments in the region. Further, he encouraged the Olympian Weightlifter Shri. MV Manikyalu by presenting him with a two-wheeler and also helped Dronacharya award winner in Boxing, Mr. I. Venkateswara Rao.

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1997 Kodanda Ramaiah felicitating Shri. Sivanthi Adityan

1994 Sr. National Volleyball Championship at HYD with Shri. Chiranjeevi

1997 Prizes Distribution Ceremony during National Volleyball Championship at VSP

1994 National Volleyball Championship with Sri. Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy, Former Chief Minister, AP

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HIS DREAM PROJECT SIVANTHI ADITYAN SPORTS FOUNDATION

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Launching of Sivanthi Aditayan Sports Foundation

Sri. Venkayya Naidu visit to Sivanthi Aditayan Sports Foundation

Despite his achievements as a player, a coach, a mentor and organiser of many mega sports events, Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah has one more dream project which is very close to his heart. To fulfil this dream he visualized promoting sports by helping and giving a new lease of life to many upcoming sportspersons, without depending upon government's help. He purchased a site to establish Sports Academy at Jonnada, Vizianagaram district in 1990 but due to ill health, the idea was dropped. Later, he thought of setting up an academy in Visakhapatnam but he was forced to identify another area as the land rates in Vizag were skyrocketing and there was no possibility of getting a government site. It was then that he focused on Gudur area of Nellore district which is on National Highway No-5 and also closer to the Chennai International airport. Acquiring funds by selling away his own properties and through donations to some extent, he chalked out an action plan to give a final shape to the academy which he named the Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation. Initially he purchased five acres of land in Gudur for the project. He put in his life savings to set up a self contained sports training centre, not only for volleyball but for all games.

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Inauguration of Sivanthi Aditayan Sports Foundation in the year 2011

The then Collector of Nellore Shri M. Ravichandra, assuring of all help, sanctioned 16 acres of assigned land to the foundation, which was established in 2006, with Shri M Ravichandra as Chairman and Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah as Managing Trustee. Political leaders including Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu and Shri Dharmana Prasada Rao lauded the efforts of the Mastaru in giving shape to his dream project. The foundation has 30 rooms and 70 beds with a vast accommodation facility, Track, Basketball, Volleyball courts and a Football field. Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah wants to set up an Indoor Hall soon, with Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu laying the foundation stone. 'I like the sports field very much and it is sufficient for me to cherish that all my disciples come up in life', he remarks.

31 Administrative Building at Sivanthi Aditayan Sports Foundation.

SIVANTHI A D I T Y A N

SPORTS FOUNDATION

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Paper Clips 33

Compliments to Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah at the time of inauguration of Sivanthi Adityan Foundation

Late Padmasri. Dr. Sivanthi Adityan Former President, VFI

'It gave me an immense satisfaction and pleasure to note that a Sports Academy came up with international standards in Andhra Pradesh. I compliment the sincere efforts of Kodanda Ramaiah for his initiative in sacrificing his life for sports. The foundation will be a milestone in creating necessary infrastructure facilities to promote sports and games.

Shri. M Venkaiah Naidu Central Cabinet Minister

When I was a student, Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah was an elderly person in sports and games and he used to respect all and he was also being liked by all. He is a great person in the sports arena, as he maintained the same tempo and spirit which earned a good name. It's very great to have such a number of disciples and to promote sports and games with the spirit. I wish and hope that the mega project taken up by Kodanda Ramaiah- Sports Academy would reach to the highest position in the country by helping many more players in South India, to become best and competitive in their sports events. Once again, I compliment the great man Kodanda Ramaiah'.

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Late Shri. N. Janardhana Reddy Former Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh Kodanda Ramaiah's initiative is appreciable. When I went to Visakhapatnam as a Parliament Member, I was greatly influenced with the functioning of the Volleyball Association of Kodanda Ramaiah who organized International Volleyball competitions for the first time in the country. I am happy that the Sports Academy is being established by such a sports person Kodanda Ramaiah'.

Shri. Vatti Vasant Kumar Former Minister, Andhra Pradesh His organizational ability is laudable 'I have an intimacy for 35 years with Master Kodanda Ramaiah and when I was studying at Andhra University I used to participate in sports events organized by him. Everybody was being influenced with his organizational capability in those days and it is highly appreciable to set up such a Sports Academy even after the Master attaining superannuation age. He has spent his whole life for sports and games and I hope that the Sports Academy would prepare at least 100 Kodanda Ramaiahs.

Shri. Dharmana Prasada Rao Former Minister, Andhra Pradesh

No words to praise his capability. Myself and two of my family members are familiar with Volleyball and came to know about Master Kodanda Ramaiah in Visakhapatnam. The initiative of playing Volleyball has created a strong relation with his family and the Master is not an ordinary coach. Those who approached him for coaching were treated like his own family members. The players who were closely associated with him experienced his love and affection. I too stayed in his home for several days and he has such an intimacy with me as to address me in the singular as 'Ore'. He has established the Adityan Foundation with a self-less ambition and strong commitment and the efforts of Kodanda Ramaiah and his team are really appreciable for organizing sports events without giving room for any criticism. There are no words to praise such a great personality who took up a 35 gigantic project of Sports Academy'.

Helping Hands/ Well Wishers - Late Dr. M. Syam Babu, AU - Late S.V. Ramanayya - G. Gopi Chand, Vice-President, AP Volleyball Association - D. Prasanna Kumar, FCA - Late D. Bhanu Prasad, Engineer - Venkata Swamy, Retd. Add. Commissioner - Purushotham, Commissioner, Customs - I. Kesava Rao, Andhra Bank - M.V. Manikayalu, Olympian, Weightlifting - Badeti Venkataramaiah, Secretary, AP Weightlifting Association - Late Kesava Rao Master, Eenadu, Visakhapatnam - Prabhakar Sharma, The Hindu, Visakhapatnam - G. Narasimha Rao, The Hindu, Visakhapatnam - Ch. Vasu Prakash, Sri Prakash School - Nagi Reddy Jonnala, Desinger - Karunakar, Engineer - G. Narayana Raju, Vice-President, AP Volleyball Association - Sayyed Yusaf, Chairman, Referee Board, VFI - D. Shivaji Raju, Ex-Joint Secretary, AP Volleyball Association

- M.A. Rawoof, Vice-President, AP Volleyball Association - D. Naresh Kumar, Former Secretary, Visakhapatnam Port Trust - C. Malakondaiah, Vice-President, AP Volleyball Association - S. Appa Rao, Vice-President, AP State Handball Association - T.V Bhagavan Das, Joint Secretary, AP Volleyball Association - T. Ramjogi Naidu, Secretary, Dist Volleyball Association, SLKM - Alapati Madhusudana Rao, Ex-Joint Secretary, AP Volleyball Association - Late. Abid, Ex-Secretary, Dist Volleyball Association, EG - T.S.R. Prasad, President, The Olympic Association, Vizag.

- Vijayender, Rtd. Customs - Mohd Jinna, Customs, Chennai - S. Nallababu (Satyanarayana), National Litho Printers, Vijayawada - Late. Peddi Subba Rao, Ex-Joint Secretary, AP Volleyball Association - N. Venu Gopal, Retd. Customes, Vijayawada - P. Mohan Babu, Kendriya Vidyalay, Waltair - G. Lingeswara Rao, Volleyball Coach, SAI - K.V. Ramana Rao, Volleyball Coach, SAI - K. Suryanarayana, President, AP Weightlifting Association - D. Nageswara Rao, President, AP Athletics Assoication

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At White House Prathusha and Arun Kumar

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A New Year Gift During December 1999, the country was very much disturbed when an Indian Airlines flight from Khatmandu to New Delhi was hijacked and diverted to Kandhahar. At that time Shri Kodanda Ramaiah was taking the Indian team to Dubai in another flight. India won its match against Pakistan and Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah sent a message to India wishing that all the passengers are released safely. The Indian team hosted a dinner to the Pakistan team as both teams celebrated New Year with the release of the Indian Airlines passengers.

Dubai International Tournment Winning Team

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Landmarks

of Indian Volleyball

1955 Indian Volleyball Team with Great China Leader Mao Tse-tung during visit to china

1955 USSR Volleyball Team during visit to India

1955 USSR vs India Volleyball Test Match at New Delhi with Indian Frist Prime Minister Shri. Jawaharlal Nehru

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PERSONALITIES who supported him 39

Late Padmasri. Dr. Sivanthi Adityan Former President, VFI

Dr. K. Murugan

Sivanthi Adityan was a close confidant and a well-wisher of Kodanda Ramaiah and both had a close relation. 'Adityan was a boon for Indian Sports who served Indian Olympic Association for eight years and as Chairman of Indian Volleyball Association for 30 years besides Vice Chairman of World Volleyball Association.

"I have never seen such a personality in my life, who gives utmost priority for Sports".

Shri. Murugan, General Secretary of VFI, had done tremendous service to promote Volleyball and he himself introduced Shri.

Late. Siva Subrahmanyam and Shri. Adityan to me. He was a matchless person in chalking out action plans and in implementation who played a key role in making Shri. Adityan as President of Indian Volleyball Association. "I had a 35 year old strong relationship with Murugan who brought name and fame to the Indian Volleyball Association. There was no body in South India except Murugan to chalk out efficient plans as a real administrator of sports. He laid a remarkable path in sports with his coaching and in appointing suitable persons as 'Referees' and 'Beach Committees' without interfering, as far as matches are concerned. I learnt significant administrative matters from Murugan who was also consulting me about sports issues", says Kodanda Ramaiah.

"Though financially sound, he always treated me as his brother and used to clear his doubts with me as far as sports are concerned and he not only encouraged the coaches, but also addressed any problem amicably. He never opted to take a nap until and unless the problems were cleared if any. I had inspiration from him not only in learning many moral lessons but in respecting others and to mingle with patience for organizing the test matches etc. Whenever I met Adityan, he used to enquire whether there is any requirement of financial help. I never took such a help on any day from him except for the Trust. That was how the Foundation was named after Adityan to remember him forever as a token of my gratitude" says Kodanda Ramaiah.

Former Secretary General, VFI

Shri.K.

Siva Subrahmanyam

Chairman, Tirupur Textiles Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah always remembers Shri. Siva Subrahmanyam of Tirupur Textiles for his extensive support in encouraging Volleyball and appointing him to train the Volleyball team of Tirupur Textiles. Responding to the growing goodwill and image of the company worth lakhs of rupees, with the victories of their Volleyball team, Shri Siva Subrahmanyam attributed the entire credit of his company to Kodanda Ramaiah. "Shri K. Siva Subrahmanyam had helped my US trip and also helped the game of Volleyball. I never came across such a magnanimous person", says Kodanda Ramaiah.

Shri.

V. Hanumantha Rao

Shri.Nedurumalli

Janardhana Reddy,

Former CM of Andhra Pradesh Former Chief Minister of AP, the late N. Janardhana Reddy was instrumental in the successful conduct of World Junior Volleyball Championship during 2005, which brought laurels to the country.

He always regarded Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah as his brother. As a token of high regard to the former CM Shri. Nedurumalli Janardhana Reddy, Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah named one of the chambers of Sivanthi Adityan Trust building after him.

Shri.

H.J. Dora, IPS

Member of Rajyasabha

Former DGP of Andhra Pradesh

I have a long association with Shri. Hanumanth Rao dating back to the time when he was Minister for Sports of the unified Andhra Pradesh and have received a lot of help and cooperation from him. He extended a lot of help and support during the election of AP Olympic Association. He has supported sports a lot and I was actively involved in the Rajiv Gandhi memorial tribal sports meet conducted by him.

Former DGP of Andhra Pradesh, Shri. H.J. Dora had helped a lot in conducting Nationals in Visakhapatnam during 1977, as President of All India Weight Lifting Foundation. He also helped in allotting house sites to Smt. Karanam Malleswari and Smt. Neelamsetti Lakshmi.

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Shri. Durga Prasad, IPS Mr. Kode Durga Prasad, who likes sports and games, had not only extended support to the National Volleyball Competitions held during 1977, but was always in the forefront of extending any help at any time.

Shri. Ravichandran, IAS Shri. Ravichandra, a Sportsman himself, had well organized the Federation Cup Competitions, when he was the Collector of Nellore district.

Shri. Praveen Prakash, IAS Shri. Praveen Prakash, the then Collector of Vizag district had totally supported during 2005, when the FIVB World under-21 Volleyball championship for men was held at Vizag.

Shri. Srikanth, IAS Shri. Srikanth, who was the Municipal Commissioner of Greater Visakha patnam Municipal Corporation during 2005, had highlighted at Geneva about the Vizag district and its sports atmosphere during his visit to that country and created good awareness there. After return from his visit, he had created AC facility to the Swarna Bharati Municipal Indoor Stadium and helped a lot in the successful conduct of FIVB Junior Men's World championship.

Shri. L Venkatarami Reddy

Mr. PVGR Naidu (Ganababu), MLA

Former Secretary, APVA

President, AP Volleyball Association

'"Shri. L. Venkatarami Reddy as Secretary and myself as President, worked together for 32 years, with a strong relationship and without even a single misunderstanding. When he was the Director of Sports Wing of Hyderabad Municipal Corporation, he used to wake up early at 5 AM and to work up to 10 PM, always aiming at organizing of sports and games and welfare of sportsmen. L. Venkatarami Reddy is such a great personality, who was instrumental in building over 500 sports grounds in Hyderabad, which will not be found anywhere in the country. He is a matchless person and his service to sports area will be beyond estimation' Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah recollects.

Shri. Sudarsana Rao Retd. Director of Phy. Edu. AU

"Shri. Sudarsana Rao is an ideal person and is the first person always to encourage any good work to be proposed"

He has been an international Volleyball player and extended a lot of help in the successful conduct of the World junior championship for men, Asian youth championships and two senior National championships (in 1997 and 2008). Elected twice as an MLA Mr. Ganababu is secretary of the Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation and is the present President of the AP Volleyball Association and working hard towards developing the game in the State.

Gouse Mohammad,

First Indian to reach Wimbledon Quarter final, Chief sports Officer, Osmania University :

"Ghouse Mohammad is such a personality who used to inspire us always by sharing his experiences and considering our victory as his. I am very much fortunate to have the association of such a great person which was a milestone in my life" says Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah

Shri. Bobba Murali, Shri. Anjaneya Prasad Retd. Director of Phy. Edu. AU

"Shri. Anjaneya Prasad used to accompany me wherever there was the conduct of Volleyball, by extending full help as a family member and own brother to all the Volleyball players. He not only encouraged players but also provided necessary facilities" Shri.

Kodanda Ramaiah remembers.

Ex Volleyball Player, NRI Chicago

Shri. Bobba Murali, not only took four beach Volleyball players to the US in 1977 by providing good reception, but also honoured Shri. Sivanthi Adityan with all facilities during his visit to US. The Mini Nationals were played for Indians staying in US at Sri Venkateswara Swami temple, Arora. He was always in the forefront of offering any type of help to Volleyball players going to the US.

THE Mr. Veluvolu Basavapunnayya

Shri. K. Venkatapathi Chairman, Sadana Textiles

Shri. V. Jagannadham Managing Director, Bharathi Bright Bars, Coimbatore :

"When they were in Tirupur Textiles as General Managers, they had done relentless service to the Volleyball game, with not only financial support from the company but in addition to that, these two were providing financial support personally also and were always present at the competitions to encourage the players".

Mr. Ramachandra Reddy Ex Treasurer, APVA

I have 52 years of association with Shri. Ramachandra Reddy. He was treasurer for 30 years when I was president and Shri. Venkatarami Reddy was secretary of the AP Volleyball Association. Though he was elder to many, Ramachandra Reddy mingled with all and made a great contribution to the development of Volleyball in unified AP and the APVA.

Mr. Yamani Anil Kumar, MS A nice and pleasant person, he got involved in the activities of the Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation on his own and also extended financial help.

Member of GITAM University governing body, former journalist and promoter of culture, sports and education, Shri. Basavapunnayya was instrumental in securing cash awards of Rs. 1 lakh each to Volleyball Dronacharya and Arjuna award winner A. Ramana Rao, noted sportspersons like E. Prasada Rao (Kabaddi), I. Ventateswara Rao (Boxing), Former Olympian M.V. Manikyalu, Weightlifter Karanam Malleswari and Chess Champion Koneru Hampi and others during the TSR Kreeda Peetham sports festival.

Shri. Basavapunnayya came to the rescue of the organising committee of the senior National Beach Volleyball championships here during 2008 by getting the TSR Kala Peetham donate Rs. 5 lakh when the committee was starved of funds.

Shri. Basavapunnayya is still providing assistance to the talented and needy sportspersons.

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Mr. G. Nageswara Rao Exporter, Chennai

Shri. Nageswara Rao has supported Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah from the time the Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation was established. He is participating in all activities and extending support during coaching camps.

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Mastaru's views "There will be no other program or activity compared to sports and games to help in bringing the entire country on to a common platform, by creating the feeling of oneness. The sports and games is the only way that could associate all regions, religions and political parties. Despite political and religionus differences between America and China, table tennis has united both the countries."

"Still some questions about what will be the benefit of sports, and if it is viewed deeply, sports and games would give mental fitness and credibility. Victories and defeats are common in life, which are nothing but day and night. Nobody can enjoy or entertain throughout life.

Even a single team cannot win the match always, but the players would be habituated to go ahead, with courage and will power, withstanding the defeats, and thus, they could make life more sportive".

Visit to Atlanta Olympics 1996

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SERVICE 'The making of a fine COACH' Coach must have character, courage, kindness, responsibility, dedication and patriotism. Playing and coaching are different and require different skills and approaches. Today I shall confine myself to sharing a few ideas with you regarding the role of the coach and the qualities I feel, are necessary to be developed in him, he says.

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A coach is a public figure and sooner or later, his behaviour with respect to the way he dresses, the language he uses: and the way he conducts himself in public become very important. On one hand the players are always watching him and he would earn their respect or lose it, depending on his behaviour. In a deeper and more important sense, the community in general would again accept or reject sports, depending on the image of the coach, who in essence is the person to spread sports. Let us have a closer look at his function.

Discipline: Discipline is very important for both teaching and learning. The coach should maintain strict discipline first with regard to himself. For example he should always be punctual to the field, he should dress befitting sportsman and not in a casual way, for example he should wear canvass shoes or running shoes and not go to the field in slippers. The sports field should be treated by him as a very sacred place and not a place where he could give his private parties. Having himself set the example of discipline, he should slowly and by steps enforce it on his pupil.

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Public relations: the coach should take time to participate in community functions which may not have anything to do with sports, because here he would be able to meet the public. In his dealing with the public he should be reasonable. For example if someone asks why Mr. X was not selected by the coach to represent a team, he should not say 'God only knows', ' I know my business better than you , there is no need for me to explain' but should convince the questioner with the reasons for his action.

Motivation: the coach should take great pains in motivating his pupil to do better. This can be done by the coach being ever alert and encouraging or reprimanding his pupil at the right time. If a pupil is consistently committing a mistake in a session, the coach should not try to force the right approach and make him go through the movement again and again, but give the pupil a diversion and then take him up again. Or again if a pupil is capable and yet makes a mistake out of carelessness he should be reprimanded. The pupil should be made to realize that the correction suggestion by the coach would make him a better player and that it is not just a blind correction.

The coach should however, not overdo the correction exercises for it will exhaust the pupil.

Dedication: The coach should be dedicated to his profession, it should be the main concern for him. He should be looking out for ways in which to improve his programme of coaching rather than consistently trying to improve his professional status. If a coach is dedicated and is consistently improving his methods and techniques he is bound to succeed in producing good players which automatically would improve his professional status.

Effective coaching * The coach should try and avoid talking on the field as the coaching programme is going on. The talking on should be done prior to getting on to the field or it should follow immediately after a session on the field. This would enable the pupil to concentrate on what is being said, but would also not interfere with the practice time or time on the field. * To make the coaching programme a success, the team should be provided a good outfit like sharp uniforms and other facilities. Beside this, the whole coaching program should be clearly envisaged by the coach with guidelines formed to achieve a result. However, the programme and guidelines should not be rigid. He should be alert throughout to introduce new techniques and have an open mind, even if the suggestions come from his trainees.

Self-control: This is one of the very important qualities of a good coach, very often we see coaches losing their temper when some decision goes against his team and making a public show of it. The coach should learn to maintain self-control and also be honest in accepting the win or loss of his team.

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My objective shall be to make competitive athletics truly a part of the education programme. My personal conduct on the field, in the school and out, shall be such as to be truly worthy of imitation by the boys and girls whose welfare is my job. My relationship with the players & fellow coaches shall be such as to develop mutual respect and confidence. I shall teach that good sportsmanship is good citizenship and as such is essential to individuals, communities, state and nation.

To build up a Volleyball team of world standards, certain qualities in the boys like tall height with fighting spirit of Punjab, Haryana and Utter Pradesh, discipline of Andhra Pradesh, tactical approach of Tamil Nadu and jumping ability of Kerala are required.

The importance of the role of a coach in sports is very great and thus, the wages of coaches in US are higher than that of University Vice Chancellors. Coach is a coach otherwise a God, Father or Teacher. A teacher teaches lessons only but a coach must involve himself in the training and is able to correct mistakes, pacify the youngsters and above all, he has to serve the trainees at times.

There were many instances where I personally served my disciples. A coach must possess utmost patience, team spirit and presence of mind. A Coach must coordinate all the 12 players in the team, as they have different types of mindset-some may be sensitive and some others get angry for everything. He must monitor whether the players were getting facilities like food, accommodation and sleep properly and at times, he has to help financially with a team spirit, Mastaru explains about the coach.

"I salute Mr. Matsudaira, Japan 1972 Olympic Volleyball gold medal-winning team coach, Mr. Ramasay, England's 1966 Football World Cup winning team coach and Mr. Bucnovar, Germany's 1978 football World Cup winning team coach, who became more popular than the players with their dedication, discipline, strategy and patriotism. Finally my highest regards for Indian coaches Mr. Nambiar and Mr. Ilyyas Babar, in athletics, Mr. Azad, cricket and Mr. M. Shyam Sundar Rao, Volleyball" opines Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah

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Significant Match Recollections "When I attended Los Angeles Olympics in 1984, Brazil defeated USA 3-0 in a match where I witnessed the backline offence of Brazil team for the first time. Later, in the final, USA defeated Brazil with 3-0 score. In the women's pre-finals, USA won the match defeating China and in the final, China bagged the Olympic title defeating USA team", Shri. Kondanda Ramaiah, recollects.

Los angles Olympics 1984

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OPINIONS of well-wishers about Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah 49

Shri. A. Ramana Rao Former Indian Volleyball Player Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee There is a lot to know about Mastaru Kodanda Ramaiah, who is an inspiration to all players. As his disciples, we all thought of bringing out a book on our respected Mastaru, who rendered a great service, not only to Volleyball but also to other games. I have shouldered the responsibility of bringing out the book, as I was his staunch follower since 1965. With the inspiration of Shri Buchi Ramaiah, he started playing Volleyball and played for Andhra team and for Osmania University team between 1960 and 1964 and turned to coaching since 1965, after achieving his Diploma in coaching from NIS in 1964. I am fortunate to be his first disciple and he trained me at Fathe Maidan, Hyderabad.

During the coaching at Hyderabad Artillery Shri. Muvva Shyam Sundar Rao also participated. Mastaru Kodanda Ramaiah trained the Andhra University team in Guntur, as the best team in the country. In 1970, he received training in GHFK, Germany and following my request, he coached the State Bank of India team, Tamil Nadu in1974, He also imparted coaching to the teams of Customs and Indian Bank of, Madras and Tirupur Textiles, which were considered as the best teams in India.

Bangalore NIS Centre coaches used to visit our indoor hall to observe the coaching style of Mastaru.

Mastaru's way of imparting coaching was the main attraction in Bangalore at that time and many players and the coaches of other teams also used to visit to gain more knowledge. The coaching was then six hours a day and at that time, I was doing a diploma by staying there itself, and so, I could directly witness the unique and special coaching given by Mastaru which taught us all a great deal.

The SAI Centre Director Shri. Gurubaksh, who coached Kodanda Ramaiah in 1965, came to Kodanda Ramaiah's camp and appreciated the efforts of the latter. All the trainees were treated as his own children and he would also address their personal problems. Most of them secured jobs as Mastaru used to always think about the trainees and a better future for them.

As an organiser, he has the credit of bringing international teams to Andhra Pradesh and he was instrumental for Russia-India match at Vijayawada in 1981 and Australia-India match in The Indian team, which was coached by him in Bangalore in Visakhapatnam in 1982. For constructing wooden gallery for 1978, participated in the competition held in Bahrain and was these matches, he brought skilled people all the way from defeated by China in the semi-finals. Many top Volleyball players Madras. including Ballu, Randheer Singh, Kutti Krishnan, Suresh Mishra, Jimmy George and Sridhar were in the NIS, Bangalore camp.

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Shri. M.V. Manikyalu Sports Officer, VPT. Olympian - Weightlifting Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah is instrumental in keeping the image of Visakhapatnam on the World Sports Map. The credit of bringing international Volleyball competitions to Vizag goes to him. One should imbibe his great virtues of punctuality and commitment.

He brought Volleyball players to Visakhapatnam from all parts of the country for training. I can recollect him reaching the venue at 5 a.m. to coordinate the players for their 8 a.m. match during the World junior championship.

It is agonizing for all sports lovers and players to note that he was not conferred with the well deserved Dronacharya Award, while some of his disciples have bagged the award. He never aspired for any award or reward or position, except to work for sports. He felicitated nearly 200 players, who brought laurels nationally and internationally on behalf of the Olympic Association in Vizag, which was not done by the government or by any organization. After, I returned from the Olympics, Mastaru felicitated me by presenting a Luna vehicle, when no government or no other organization took such an initiative in giving motivation and encouragement. As long as the game of Volleyball is played, the name and fame of Kodanada Ramaiah will flourish.

Shri. Vasantha Nageswara Rao Former Minister, Govt of A.P Mr. Kodanda Ramiah's name is synonymous with the game of Volleyball. I know him for a very long time, and I found the same humility in him even after gaining name and fame world over. He would be pleased as if his own children achieved something when his disciples performed well and he is always ready to extend his help to others, which are two great qualities of him. He would support a player and push him to great heights if he could find a spark in him.

He has done a great service to Indian Volleyball and he still has the great zeal to serve the game.

Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah faced some unexpected problems in his life but could overcome them. I wish he lives his full life and serve the game of Volleyball. Every Volleyball player and sports lover wishes Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah completes hundred years and serve the game.

Young players must follow his life and achieve success.

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Shri.E. Prasad Rao Dronacharya Awardee - Kabaddi Technical Director, International Kabaddi Federation

Though I am not a Volleyball player Shri Kodanda Ramaiah Mastaru is my Guru in event management. I am inspired with his hard work, commitment and leadership and I have never come across such a versatile coach or administrator so far. Andhra Pradesh should be proud of having such a great personality as a son of its soil. When I was undergoing coaching at NIS, Bangalore during 1979-80, everybody used to speak about Mastaru Kodanda Ramaiah and even the great players of Volleyball such as Shri. Bhallu, Shri Jimmy George and Shri Basi used to bow to him with utmost respect which inspired me. I was highly inspired & motivated with his initiative, discipline, high standards, rules and regulations in the conduct of International matches in Vizag.

When I received the Dronacharya award in 2002, he took the initiative in arranging the first felicitation for me on behalf of Olympic Association, which will be remembered

fondly throughout my life. He also provided life membership to me in the prestigious Century Club. He is a great motivator and instrumental in my shifting & settling down in Vizag city. To be frank, our State of Andhra Pradesh has not fully recognised the skills and talents of Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah and not even used his valuable services. In my opinion, the government should at least have conferred on him an honorary doctorate in sports, as a mark of respect and honour towards his invaluable service to sports.

All sports persons respect him as the "Bhishma Pithamaha" of the sports fraternity. He has spent his own funds for the development of sports and if I am able to do even ten per cent of the service done by Masteru, I would consider myself fortunate.

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Shri. V. C. Ramalingam Former Indian Volleyball Player I was born in an agriculture-based family in Coimbatore and so I have no links with the outer world. Master Kodanda Ramaiah has polished me as a skilled player. It was the time when he returned from Germany and was coaching SBI team in Chennai. I feel that the present coaching is entirely different from what we have undergone and made us an expert team.

He is Guru and God Father not to me alone but to all sports persons. With his inspiration only, I have played for Tamil Nadu team in 1974-75 and also won the match in 1975-76. The entire credit of developing the Volleyball game in South India at the time when North India was in a lead position, goes to Kodanda Ramaiah and we are doing service to the sports sector strictly following his guidelines and standards'.

Shri. Ranveer Singh Former Indian Volleyball Player I was introduced to the Master in 1979 at a coaching camp in Bangalore which changed my life. I learnt many things from him as he used to give valuable tips with regard to the game.

Kodanda Ramaiah was maintaining strict discipline when he was on the ground, but used to mingle with all players outside. I saw many coaches, but not the one like Kodanda Ramaiah in encouraging players like his own family members. He was always in the forefront of felicitating the winners and thus he felicitated Mr. Ramana Rao, Mr. Shyamsundar and myself in 1981. He is a Legend and a Hero for the entire sports field'.

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Shri. M. Shyamsundar Rao Former Indian Volleyball Player Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee First time I met Kodanda Ramaiah Mastaru was in the 1959 State Championship, where he played on behalf of AAA Club team, while I played for AAA Club-B team. At that time, players selected for the Nationals have to bear their expenditure. But Master has hosted all the 20 players selected for the Andhra State team for the 1960 Nationals at his house in Nandigama and provided coaching to them. I have played with the Master in the inter-university competitions, National championship in Allahabad in 1962 and South Zone and Nationals in Hyderabad in1964. Later, I joined Artillery after he left for Patiala to do a diploma course'.

He has played a key role in forming AP Association by merging both Andhra and Hyderabad associations and helped in preparing a good team in Tiruvur. Because of Kodanda Ramaiah only, the Indian team was able to play in the Asian junior championship held in Doha in 1994. He was the team manager and able to stop the flight for over two hours with the help of Nadendla Venugopala Rao who was in the Customs Department so that the team, which arrived late, could catch the flight. The team secured silver medal qualified for the World Championship.

No other person or organization has conducted such a number of international tournaments compared to the Master. When I had been to the Junior World championship held in Mexico, the organizers of AIVB have showered praises on the Visakhapatnam tournament.

Kodanda Ramaiah Mastaru strived hard in getting the National Volleyball Academy in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant and SAAP Volleyball Academy in the Port Trust, from which many sportspersons attended the national and international tournaments. Above all, Kodanda Ramaiah has the unique ability of creating interest among those who do not have minimum sports knowledge'.

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Shri. G.E. Sridharan Former Indian Volleyball Player Arjuna and Dronacharya Awardee

There might be only five to six coaches to be remembered forever in the history of Indian Volleyball and of them, if the first place goes to Shri. Buchi Ramaiah, the second place is for Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah. Ramana Rao is my Guru whose Guru is Kodanda Ramaiah and so the latter is my Maha Guru and thus, I got the opportunity of receiving coaching from these stalwarts.

During 1969, a coaching camp was held in Hyderabad for rural children. Along with my friend, I joined the camp and at that time the name of Kodanda Ramaiah Master had spread over the entire sports world. I had the opportunity of improving my skills after joining SBI under the supervision of Ramana Rao and Kodanda Ramaiah Master. He was capable of improving the skills of the players very easily and the way of coaching the Indian team for the Asian Championship, as a Chief Coach, was matchless. He

improved the standards of Indian Volleyball to international level after undergoing training in Germany. We never forget the efforts of Kodanda Ramaiah in organizing Asian World Championship in Visakhapatnam as organizer.

When I was training under him, the Master, while praising my way of playing the game, infused self-confidence by giving necessary suggestions. He is solely responsible for my growth as coach and he is to be considered as "Bhishmacharya" in the field of Indian Volleyball'.

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Shri. J Sudhakara Reddy President, AP Roller Skating Association Mastaru Kodanda Ramaiah is my mentor, guide and guru. When I met him in 1996 for the first time, I was surprised to see his efforts for the development of sports and games as he has 'sports beat' in his heart.

Under his leadership only, Volleyball, Skating, Boxing, Athletics, Triathlon, Weightlifting, Hockey and other games reached to the peak in Andhra Pradesh as an Olympic Revolution. He never sought any position in any sports organization but was leading the games as an 'honest teacher with simplicity'.

When there were allegations about nepotism in the AP Roller Skating Association, he had ensured transparency in the selection process and brought national and international recognition to the association. He extended help in organizing National roller-skating championships in sub-junior, junior and senior categories. The AP team stood in the first place for eight years in the all-India championship. His initiative in constructing bank track skating ring at the VUDA Park in Visakhapatnam in a short span of 14 days, by convincing the Vice Chairman of SAAP Shri L V Subrahmanyam and his disciple and also MLA Sri PVGR Naidu (Ganababu), will be long remembered.

As a staunch promoter of Sports, the Mastaru has sold away his own properties for constructing Sports Academy in the name of Sivanthi Adithyan Sports Foundation near Nellore. Many a time he spent his own funds for the development of sports.

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Shri. I. Venkateswara Rao Dronacharya Awardee - Boxing A sportsman must imbibe the virtues of discipline, commitment, patience, self-confidence and leadership from "Aadi Guru" Kodanda Ramaiah. I am not a Volleyball player, but I had a good relation with the Master since the time my brother Mr. Umamaheswara Rao, working as a Boxing coach in the SAAP, had introduced me to the Master. I was quiet impressed with his qualities. With his inspiration only, I secured Dronacharya award. He was instrumental in encouraging Olympic players like Karanam Malleswari and N. Lakshmi, P. Sailaja, boxers Kanakadurga, Usha and K. Syam Kumar in reaching highest positions.

The credit of organizing various competitions in Andhra Pradesh at the national and international levels, goes to the Master alone and all Vizagites must be proud of him. It's the responsibility of the governments to honour such a multi-faceted personality like Kodanda Ramaiah, with honorary doctorate or with life-time achievement award, as he is also called as "Bhishmacharya" of sports. We, as his disciples, are very unhappy as the government is not taking initiative in this regard'.

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A GOOD COACH Shri. K.Ch. Punnaiah Chowdary Vice-President of AP Olympic Association Secretary (Teams), Badminton Association of India.

Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah is such a person who does not have ill will even against a person who has done harm intentionally to him. We were district coaches at Guntur and since then I have seen how determined he is to complete a task taken up by him. He has organised meets and National championships in an unparalleled manner and treated hundreds of his wards as his own children. Mr. Kodanda Ramaiah enjoyed the support, affection and goodwill of all sports associations and sportspersons.

He played a key role in APOA and the Aditya Sports Foundation would soon earn a great name.

WILL MAKE HIS PLAYERS SEE WHAT THEY CAN BE RATHER THAN WHAT THEY ARE.

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IMPORTANT INCIDENTS ...in the sports life of Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah 59

Important incidents: 1958 : Represented Osmania University at All India Inter University Championship, Nagpur and became winner.

1960 : Represented Osmania University at All India Inter University, Kanpur and became Runner up.

1960 : Represented Andhra Pradesh state in Sr. National Volleyball Championship.

1961 : Represented Andhra Pradesh state in Sr. National Volleyball Championship.

1962 : Represented Andhra Pradesh state team and captain of the team in Senior National Volleyball Championship at Allahabad 1963-64 : Completed NIS diploma from NIS Patiala.

1964-72 : Worked as a Coach for Andhra Pradesh State Sports Council 1965 : Coach for the Osmania University and won All India Inter University Championship.

1966 : Coach for the Osmania University and won All India Inter University Championship.

1968 : Chief Coach for Andhra Pradesh State Volleyball Team and became runner up.

1970 : Successfully completed Volleyball Coaching Diploma from East Germany.

1970-78 : - Coached Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu Volleyball Teams several times 1974 : Coached Andhra Pradesh Rural Volleyball Boys Team and won Rural Nationals at Salem, T.N. - Coach for the various clubs like State Bank of India, Madras Customs, Indian Bank and Tirupur Textiles which won many tournaments.

1979 : Chief Coach for the Indian Sr. Men Volleyball team for Asian Volleyball Championship at Bahrain.

1980 : Chief Coach for the Indian Sr. Men Volleyball team which played four test matches at Delhi, Trivandrum, Hyderabad and Bangalore with Russian team and won the series 3-1.

1989 : Completed International Coaches Course for FIVB Instructors at Manama, Bahrain.

Three of his trainees A. Ramana Rao, M. Syam Sundar Rao, G.E. Sridharan received both Arjuna and Dronachrya awards while another ward P.V. Ramana, whose daughter P.V. Sindhu won silver medal in Rio Olympics in 2016, received Arjuna award.

- Many trainees represented the country. Some of them are S. Karimullah, D. Prabhakara Raju, Krishnayya, G. Bala Muralidharan, K. Venkata Rami Reddy, P.V. Ramu 1981 : Organising President for first international Test match at Visakhapatnam in any discipline and India beat Australia in the Volleyball match.

1982-90 : President of Andhra Pradesh Volleyball Association.

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1983 : Organising President for Senior National Volleyball championship at Guntur.

1984 : Organising President for India Vs Russia Volleyball Test Match at Vijayawada and India won.

1985 : Organising President for India Vs Japan Volleyball Test Match at Visakhapatnam and India won.

1986 : Organising President for International Volleyball Tournament, Vijayawada.

1984-88 : Chairman of Volleyball Federation of India Coaching Committee - Conducted Coaches clinics at Madras in 1985 and 1986.

1994 : Organising President for National Beach Volleyball tournament, Visakhapatnam.

1997 : Organising President for Senior National Volleyball Championship at Visakhapatnam.

1996 : Technical Advisor for Indian Junior men Volleyball Team at Junior Asian Volleyball Championship, Doha and secured 2nd place.

2003 : Organising President for Asian Youth Boys Volleyball Championship at Visakhapatnam and India won.

2004 : Started Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation.

2004 : Felicitates Awardees and Internationals. Like A. Ramana Rao, M. Shyam Sundar Rao, Dhanraj Pillai, Karanam Malleswari, Mukhesh, Sri Lakshmi, Jairaj, M.V. Manikyalu.

2004-2008 : Vice President, Volleyball federation of India 2005 : Conducted World Junior Men Volleyball Championship at Visakhapatnam and appreciated by FIVB. 2007 : India Vs Pakistan Volleyball Test series and India won.

2008 : Organising President for Egypt Vs India Volleyball Test Series at Visakhapatnam and India won.

2008 : Organising President for Senior National Volleyball Championship at Visakhapatnam.

2011 : Sivanthi Adithyan Sports Foundation opened at Ozili, Guduru.

2011 : Conducted Volleyball Camp for youngsters at Sivanthi Adithyan Sports Foundation 2011 : Conducted Sub Jr Volleyball State Camp at Sivanthi Adithyan Sports Foundation 2012 : Conducted Volleyball Camp for youngsters at Sivanthi Adithyan Sports Foundation

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PERSONAL TRAGEDIES

They say a true sportsman has nerves of steel. Despite weathering great personal tragedies Shri Kondanda Ramaiah stood strong and continues with his passion for sports to this day. Tragedy first struck when his 28 years old daughter and son-in-law died in a car accident on Deepavali day in 1998 in Toronto. Similarly, the death of Aditya, his brother's son at the tender age of 17 in a bus mishap in 2012, was devastating to Mastaru who had pinned high hopes on him, a national champion in skating.

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The World Junior Men's Championship in 2005 was preceded by heavy rains across the country and most of the flights were cancelled and no information was available on the arrival of the teams from other countries. As the teams were scheduled to reach Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai and the team from Malaysia landed at a place other than its scheduled arrival city, Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah made arrangements & purchased tickets for the teams so that wherever the teams alighted in India, they could fly down to Visakhapatnam, since at that time there was no international flight facility at the local airport. The organisers heaved a collective sigh of relief as all the teams arrived as scheduled.

MP and former Chief Minister Shri. N. Janardhana Reddy extended a lot of help in this regard. Fully satisfied with the arrangements made & conduct of the championship, the Federation of International Volleyball sent a letter of appreciation to Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah lauding the facilities made available including accommodation and food provided to the players. With this, the city attracted the attention of other countries.

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There is no body other than Kodanda Ramaiah in the country in doing tremendous service in promoting Volleyball game or in organizing series of test matches or in training number of players. There was also no body to be compared with the Mastaru as a coach or as an organizer and he never sleeps until he attains his target.

Even though, the Sports Academy in the name of Sivanthi Adityan Foundation was a heavy burden on him, he has invested personal funds after selling his lands and houses with a sole objective of making the Academy as No-1 in the country. Kodanda Ramaiah is the "Peethadhipathi" of the " Volleyball Peetham" in the country.

"Since Agnivesa was the Guru of Drona and Drupada in the archery, a prestigious award of Agnivesa was to be introduced to felicitate Kodanda Ramaiah as he had produced three 'Dronas' for Volleyball. Nearly 200 persons trained under Kodanda Ramaiah had secured jobsin government and public sectors besides bagging awards".

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DOWN MEMORY LANE

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THE GURU'S MENTORS "I was greatly influenced by my mother who was helping not only her own kith & kin but also the people around her by considering others' problems as her own. She helped the poor in her native area and other villages when there were heavy downpours for days together. The people in the surrounding villages used to address her with affectionate regard as 'Kasi Annapurna' and incidentally, her name are also Annapurna. 'Try to help others in need; money is not important' she would tell me many a time. Her whole life was dedicated to helping others and she would give away saris or other things gifted to her to the poor.

I was greatly inspired by my first Guru -Mother. Even my father had never opposed me, but his only worry was how I would feed my wife & children if I run behind sports and games always. Originally our ancestors were land lords and the medical profession is an integral part of our family... I was the first person who came out from the medical profession and chose sports as a career." Shri. Kodanda Ramaiah recalls.

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With Legendary Volleyball Coach from Japan Shri. Matsudaira

"Matsudaira of Japan, a prominent and noted coach, came to Texas (US) to impart coaching as a coach instructor. Under his training only, the Japan team was the winner of Olympics from 1964 to 1972. Except week-end holidays, he never enjoyed extra leaves and thus, he made many sacrifices with his wife and family to make Asia top in Volleyball game. There was a lot of opposition when he was about to retire. He was the person who introduced technique like floating service in Volleyball and I was fortunate enough to spend some time with such a great person. During the coffee time, we both used to discuss many important issues. Another person Dubwel of US is also one of the excellent coaches" recalls Mastaru.

Shri. K. Siva Subramaniam

Shri. Jimmy George

Shri. Sivanthi Adithan

Shri. Balwant Singh Sagwal (Ballu)

A GREAT LOSS TO ME 'It's my life-long agony as I have lost my close confidants- Padmasri. Dr.Sivanthi Adityan, K. Siva Subrahmanyam, Jimmy George and Balwanth Singh (Bhallu) who had offered excellent service to the Volleyball game and its an irreparable loss to me', Kodanda Ramaiah says.

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CONCLUDING REMARKS Mastaru's sports journey has three stages. In his first stage he strived to grow as a player. In his second stage as a coach he established certain standards that few could reach. As a sports organizer he has accomplished a level which nobody can dream of achieving. He has given recognition to Visakhapatnam as International sports Hub. His commitment to sports is not only limited to Volleyball but also for all sports. He felicitated those who excel in sports internationally. Besides all these, he has taken another step to establish Sivanthi Adityan Sports Foundation. He has taken these daring steps with his determination.

If you observe these stages, one can have clear answer how a player's journey must be and what aim he should try to reach.

One should achieve success in his selected profession and successors should be trained. He should provide a platform to reach highest level by executing their skills and knowledge. Felicitating those who have achieved medals at the national and International level would inspire & motivate others to achieve the same. One should give back something to the profession which has given laurels. This is the way of life, Mastaru has fixed himself. These are the valuable lessons for the upcoming players, coaches and sports organizers. Mastaru's life is an answer for the doubts how the Goal, character, execution, destination should be. Mastaru's life journey must be a lesson in the sports school. One should read article regarding Coach written by mastaru and follow.

Generally knowledgeable people speak good about a person. But knowledgeable people and upcoming players have both expressed their respect at the same level and that is a great thing. While writing this Book I interacted with many people and everybody has expressed their worship. They were comparing Mastaru with Trimurthulu, Bheeshmacharya or Sri Krishna. All these comparisons are not wrong, as I realize that his followers and trainees are expressing their praises because of his hard work and efficiency.

I have learnt many things while preparing this book. On one side he is affectionate & very simple. He respects all equally, has clarity about life, clear goals, an over-riding desire to get better name for his players. On the other side he never tries to get total credit due to him and has a hard working attitude. I express my sincere thanks to Arikapudi Ramana Rao and Nagi Reddy for providing this opportunity and to Lingeswara Rao for his co-operation.

Krishna Sharma, Writer.

Son S. Sridhar, daughter-in law S. Roja Ramani, Grandson Nihar and Grand Daughter's Thanvi and laehya.

Son-in-Law Late. Shri. Gangavarapu Adinarayana Prasad and daughter Late. S. Poornima Jhansi with Grand Daughter G. laehya.