Kashi Hosts 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship

Varanasi is set to witness a major sporting milestone as it prepares to host the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship for men and women. The prestigious national event will be held from January 4 to 11 at Dr Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra, marking the first time a championship of this scale is being organised in the Purvanchal region. The tournament aligns with the broader vision of promoting sports under the Khelo India initiative.

National Championship Comes to Purvanchal

The hosting of the championship is being seen as a historic moment for eastern Uttar Pradesh. According to organisers, the event will bring together 73 teams from across the country, including both men’s and women’s squads. More than 1,000 players are expected to compete, offering spectators high-quality volleyball action and enhancing Varanasi’s standing on the national sports map. The event is expected to provide a strong boost to local sports infrastructure and administration.

Prime Minister’s Support and Organisational Efforts

The organising committee, led by Varanasi mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, along with Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and state volleyball association president Brijesh Pathak, recently met Narendra Modi in New Delhi. They formally invited him to the championship. The Prime Minister conveyed his best wishes and described the tournament as inspiring for the youth, reinforcing the role of sports in nation-building and youth engagement.

Local Culture Reflected Through Mascots and Arrangements

To highlight Kashi’s cultural identity, the organisers have introduced two mascots for the championship. ‘Nandu’, inspired by Nandi, symbolises strength and tradition, while ‘Neera’, based on the endangered Ganga river dolphin, reflects environmental awareness. Arrangements are also being made to ensure transparency and fairness, including random anti-doping tests for participating players.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship will be held in Varanasi from January 4 to 11.
• Dr Sampurnanand Sports Stadium, Sigra, is the main venue for the tournament.
• This is the first national-level volleyball championship hosted in the Purvanchal region.
• Over 1,000 players from 73 teams will participate across men’s and women’s categories.

Boost to Youth Sports and Regional Identity

The championship is expected to inspire young athletes in eastern Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions. By hosting a national tournament of this scale, Varanasi is positioning itself as an emerging hub for competitive sports, complementing its cultural and spiritual identity with a growing reputation in the field of athletics and organised sport.