PM Modi Opens 72nd National Volleyball Tournament

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi through video conferencing. Addressing players and officials, he highlighted how the values of volleyball teamwork, coordination, and shared responsibility mirror India’s development journey. The event brought together teams from across the country and showcased the government’s strong focus on sports and youth development.

Why in the News?

PM Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi and drew parallels between the spirit of volleyball and India’s collective progress in nation-building and sports development.

Event Highlights and PM’s Message

• The Prime Minister focused on teamwork and collective responsibility.
• Volleyball teaches coordination, trust, and shared effort, similar to nation-building.
• No victory is achieved alone; success depends on every team member’s role.
• Teams from 28 states reflect the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
• Players were praised for qualifying after rigorous preparation.
• The message stressed “Team First” and “India First” values.

Government Push for Sports Development

• Key reforms and athlete-focused initiatives.
• Sports budget increased with focus on talent identification.
• Athlete-centric approach includes scientific training and nutrition.
• Reforms like National Sports Governance Act and Khelo Bharat Policy 2025 introduced.
• Transparency in selection and balance between sports and education encouraged.
• Young athletes, especially Gen-Z, are performing better globally.

Grassroots and Global Ambitions

• From local participation to global hosting goals.
• Khelo India enables youth participation at national level.
• Sansad Khel Mahotsav saw nearly one crore youth participants nationwide.
• India hosted FIFA U-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup, and chess events.
• India aims to host 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics.
• Sports infrastructure upgrades underway, including Sigra Stadium in Varanasi.

About National Volleyball Tournament

• Organized annually by the Volleyball Federation of India.
• Brings together state and institutional teams.
• Platform for talent scouting and national selection.
• Encourages grassroots participation in volleyball.
• One of India’s oldest national-level team sports tournaments.

Volleyball Federation of India (VFI)

• Sport: Volleyball
• Jurisdiction: India
• Abbreviation: VFI
• Founded: 1951 (74 years ago)
• Headquarters: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Key Summary at a Glance

Aspect	Details
Why in News?	PM Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament
Venue	Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
Participants	Over 1,000 players from 58 teams
Key Message	Teamwork in sports mirrors nation-building
Sports Reforms	Khelo India, TOPS, governance reforms
Dates	January 4-11, 2026

Question

Q. Where was the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament inaugurated?

A. New Delhi
B. Patna
C. Varanasi
D. Lucknow