AI Generated Summary
- As Shabad prepares to don the national colors in Thailand, his journey stands as a testament to the role Punjab played in nurturing untapped potential—proving that sometimes, talent just needs a place that believes in it.
- “But I believe height shouldn’t be such a rigid criterion at that age—especially when a player is good and plays as a libero, where agility and game sense matter more.
- What began as a disheartening rejection for a young athlete has transformed into an inspiring tale of perseverance, skill, and unexpected opportunity—with Punjab playing a pivotal role in scripting it.
What began as a disheartening rejection for a young athlete has transformed into an inspiring tale of perseverance, skill, and unexpected opportunity—with Punjab playing a pivotal role in scripting it.
Two years ago, Shabad Gautam, then just 13 and aspiring to play professional volleyball, was turned away from every sports hostel in his home state. The reason? His “short height” was deemed a disqualifying factor—despite his skill and determination.
But while one door closed, another opened—hundreds of kilometers away in Sangrur, Punjab. That same year, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) hostel in Sangrur saw potential where others saw limitations and welcomed Shabad into its program.
Today, that faith has paid off. Shabad, now 15, has earned a place in India’s Under-16 volleyball team and is set to compete in the 2nd U-16 Asian Volleyball Championship in Thailand, with India’s first match scheduled for tomorrow.
“We were absolutely shattered when he was not selected by any hostel in our state,” said Pankaj Gautam, Shabad’s father. “But in hindsight, it was a blessing in disguise. Maybe he wouldn’t have reached this level if he had been selected back home.”
The Bilaspur-born teenager now carries another distinction: the first international volleyball player in any age category from his town, and the first from his state to make it to the U-16 national team.
Despite the pride in his son’s achievement, Pankaj still feels the sting of that early rejection. “The coaches said he was too short and asked us to try again the next year,” he recalled. “But I believe height shouldn’t be such a rigid criterion at that age—especially when a player is good and plays as a libero, where agility and game sense matter more.”
Shabad’s success underscores the value of inclusive scouting and coaching—a philosophy embraced by the SAI coaches in Sangrur. “They saw beyond height and recognized his skill. They trained him and believed in him—and that made all the difference,” said Pankaj.
As Shabad prepares to don the national colors in Thailand, his journey stands as a testament to the role Punjab played in nurturing untapped potential—proving that sometimes, talent just needs a place that believes in it.
