Greater Noida: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing on Sunday. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, PM Modi remarked that as the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, expressed happiness in welcoming and congratulating all the players. He remarked that the National Volleyball Championship is commencing in Varanasi from today. The Prime Minister highlighted that the players have reached this national tournament after immense hard work, and their efforts will be tested on the grounds of Varanasi in the coming days. He noted that teams from 28 states of the country have gathered, presenting a beautiful picture of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Extending his best wishes, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings to all participants of the championship.
Recalling a local saying in Banarasi, PM Modi observed that the players have now arrived in Varanasi and will also come to know the city. He emphasized that Varanasi is a city of sports lovers, where wrestling, wrestling arenas, boxing, boat races, and kabaddi are very popular. He remarked that Varanasi has produced many national-level players, and institutions like Banaras Hindu University, UP College, and Kashi Vidyapeeth have seen their players excel at state and national levels. PM Modi highlighted that for thousands of years, Varanasi has welcomed all those who come here for the pursuit of knowledge and art. He expressed confidence that during the National Volleyball Championship, the enthusiasm of Varanasi will remain high, the players will find audiences to cheer them, and they will also experience the rich tradition of hospitality that Varanasi embodies.
The Prime Minister underlined that volleyball is not an ordinary sport, as it is a game of balance and cooperation, where determination is also reflected in the effort to keep the ball always lifted. He highlighted that volleyball connects players with team spirit, with every player guided by the mantra, ‘Team First’. He emphasized that while each player may possess different skills, all play for the victory of their team. PM Modi observed similarities between India’s development story and volleyball, noting that the sport teaches that no victory is achieved alone, but depends on coordination, trust, and the readiness of the team. He underlined that everyone has their own role and responsibility, and success comes only when each fulfills their duty with seriousness. The Prime Minister stated that the nation too is progressing in this manner, from cleanliness to digital payments, from Ek Ped Maa ke Naam to the campaign for a developed India, with every citizen, every section, and every province working with a collective consciousness and the spirit of India First.
Pointing out that today the world is praising India’s growth and economy, PM Modi said this progress is not limited to the economic front but is also reflected in the confidence seen on the sports field. He remarked that in recent years, India’s performance across various sports has consistently improved since 2014, and expressed pride in seeing Gen-Z athletes hoist the tricolor on the field.
The Prime Minister recalled that there was a time when both government and society were indifferent towards sports, which created uncertainty among players about their future, and very few youth adopted sports as a career. He highlighted that in the past decade, there has been a change in the mindset of both government and society towards sports. Shri Modi noted that the government has significantly increased the sports budget, and today India’s sports model has become ‘athlete-centric’, with focus on talent identification, scientific training, nutrition, and transparent selection, ensuring that the interests of players are prioritized at every level.
“Today the nation is riding on the Reform Express, with every sector and every development destination connected to it, and sports being one of them”, exclaimed the Prime Minister. He highlighted that the government has undertaken major reforms in the sports sector, including the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, which will provide opportunities to the right talent and increase transparency in sports organizations. He emphasized that these provisions will allow the youth to advance simultaneously in both sports and education.
Noting that initiatives like TOPs are transforming the sports ecosystem in India, with efforts focused on building strong infrastructure, funding mechanisms, and providing young athletes with global exposure, PM Modi pointed out that in the past decade, India has hosted more than 20 major international events across several cities, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and major chess tournaments. “The 2030 Commonwealth Games will be held in India, and the country is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympics, with the aim of giving more and more players greater opportunities to compete”, remarked the Prime Minister.
Underlining that at the school level too, efforts are being made to expose young athletes to Olympic sports, Shri Modi said, through the Khelo India campaign, hundreds of youth have had the chance to advance to the national level. He added that only a few days ago, the Sansad Khel Mahotsav concluded, where nearly one crore youth showcased their talent. As the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, he proudly shared that during the Sansad Khel Mahotsav, around three lakh youth from Varanasi demonstrated their strength and skills on the field.
Highlighting the transformation in sports infrastructure is also benefiting Varanasi, PM Modi said modern sports facilities are being developed and stadiums for different games are coming up. He highlighted that new sports complexes are providing training opportunities to players from nearby districts. He noted that the Sigra Stadium, where the event is being held, is now equipped with numerous modern amenities.
The Prime Minister expressed happiness that Varanasi is preparing itself for major events, emphasizing that securing a place on the country’s sporting map through the National Volleyball Competition is highly significant for the city. He recalled that prior to this championship, Varanasi has hosted several important events that provided opportunities for local people and boosted the local economy, including G-20 meetings, cultural festivals like Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Kashi Telugu Sangamam, the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan, and Varanasi’s designation as the cultural capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. He remarked that this championship is now joining these achievements as another jewel, and observed that such events are positioning Varanasi as a major destination for large platforms.
The Prime Minister noted that Varanasi experiences pleasant cold weather at this time, accompanied by delicious seasonal foods, and suggested enjoying malaiyyo. He urged participants to also take with them the experience of visiting Baba Vishwanath, boating in the Ganga, and soaking in the city’s heritage. Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister encouraged the players to perform well in the tournament, expressing hope that every spike, block, and point from the soil of Varanasi will elevate India’s sporting aspirations, and once again extended his best wishes to all.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament, being held from 4th to 11th January, will witness participation from across India, with over 1,000 players competing as part of 58 teams representing various states and institutions. The tournament is expected to showcase high standards of competition, sportsmanship, and talent in Indian volleyball.
Hosting the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi underscores the growing emphasis on strengthening sports infrastructure and promoting athletic development in the city. It also further enhances the city’s profile as a hub for major national events, aligning with its expanding role in hosting significant cultural and sporting initiatives.
