Jimmy George : Volleyball
Jimmy George (8 March 1955 – 30 November 1987) is considered one of the greatest volleyball players of all time. He was a member of India’s men national volleyball team and was the first Indian volleyball player to become a professional and play club volleyball in Italy. He was born to the famous Kudakkachira family and learned to play the sport from his father who was a former university-level player.
Greatest Sporting Achievements
Jimmy George received all major awards than any Indian athlete could hope for. At the age of 21, he was honored the “Arjuna Award”. In 1975, he was given the G.V. Raja Award and the Manorama Award for the best Sportsman of Kerala the following year.
He competed for India during the 1986 Seoul Olympics where his nation won bronze. In 1982 to 1984 and 1985 to 1987, George was actively employed with professional clubs in Italy, where he was regarded as one of the best attackers in the world.
Why Was He So Good?
Jimmy George gave new elements to volleyball in India. He was an excellent player with an eye for technical flawlessness. He will always be remembered because he was the first Indian professional volleyball player. He is one of the ten best volleyball players of all time. Jimmy George, as a sportsman, is seen as a role model. He lives on as a marvel and an icon in the hearts of his enthusiasts.
What You May Not Know
- The Jimmy George Club is an annual junior tournament held in his memory. The indoor stadium at Monti Chiari, Brescia is named in his honor.
- His other interests were chess and swimming. He liked to collect stamps and coins, as well.
- Jimmy was interest in Para-psychology and was into reading books and periodicals.
- He died in a car accident on November 30, 1987 in Italy. He was only 32. His son Joseph George was born two months after his death.
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