Jimmy George
Jimmy George (8 March 1955 – 30 November 1987) was an Indian volleyball player and captain of the India national volleyball team. Often dubbed the God of Indian volleyball, he is considered as one of the greatest volleyball players of all time. Jimmy played for Kerala and India as an amateur and later became the first Indian to become professional volleyball player. He played for professional clubs outside the country, most notably in Italy. At the age of 32, Jimmy died in a road accident in Italy on 30 November 1987, while playing for the Eurosibo Eurostyle, a first division club in the Italian professional league. He still remains as the youngest volleyball player to receive Arjuna Award, one of India's highest national sporting awards. Career Jimmy George was born to the Kudakkachira family, at Thundiyil near Peravoor in Kannur district, as the second son of George Joseph and Mary George. He learned to play volleyball from his father, a former university-level player. Jimmy played for St. Joseph's High School in Peravoor. In 1970, Jimmy became a member of the University of Calicut volleyball team. In 1973, he joined St. Thomas College, Pala. Jimmy represented the Kerala University four times