Thiruvananthapuram: “Jimmy George was a multi-talented personality of Kerala sport,” said Dijo Kappan, a close associate of the late volleyball legend, at the Jimmy George Remembrance Day speech at the Chandrasekharan Nair Stadium on Wednesday.
Dijo said Jimmy George was a crowd puller and people thronged the stadium to see his smashes. But there were occasions when Jimmy would disappoint the crowd with his deft placements. Dijo said Jimmy was the one of the earlier exponents of the jump service. He said Kerala University and Kerala Police reigned supreme only because of Jimmy's talent.
Dijo said not many know that he was also a university swimming champion and a good chess player.
He said Jimmy George's work ethic made him make a mark in the volleyball court. He abstained from alcohol and smoking and was single-minded in his pursuit for excellence.
He said Jimmy was selfless and helpful to his fellow-players. It was Jimmy's magnanimity which enabled many volleyball players to ply their trade in the gulf and in other countries.
S. Gopinath, IPS, said Jimmy George was a once in a life-time player who became a legend when he was alive. A presentation on Jimmy George's life and his career, including some rare photographs, was shown on the occasion.
The remembrance function was organised by Volleyball Family Club. Earlier, an exhibition match was played between Kerala Police and KSEB.
The Hindu