The 72nd National Volleyball Championship is taking place at the Sigra Stadium in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, featuring over 58 teams and 1,000 players from various states competing over the next week.
Teams from across the country have arrived to contest for prestigious positions at the revitalized Dr. Sampurnanand Multipurpose Sports Stadium, also known as Sigra Stadium, as part of the Smart City project. This week-long competition will showcase exceptional sportsmanship and talent in Indian volleyball.
Upon their arrival, players received a grand welcome, expressing gratitude to the organizers and local residents. Many players from Jammu and Kashmir shared their experiences of visiting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s parliamentary constituency for the first time.
Balwinder Singh Jamwal, head coach of the Jammu and Kashmir women’s team, stated, “With the support of the government and our association, sports have received a significant boost in our region. This is why we have been able to come to Varanasi. We are very happy with the welcome we received in Varanasi. This is Prime Minister Narendra’s parliamentary constituency, a holy city. We are very happy to be here.”
Sadaf Manzoor mentioned, “The competition is quite tough. Strong teams from all over the country have come. We will also try our best.”
Sharing her first experience in Varanasi, she noted how the entire team received a hearty welcome and expressed gratitude for it.
“Earlier, it was difficult for girls to enter the field of sports, but due to the efforts of the Central government under PM Modi, our participation in sports is increasing even in Jammu and Kashmir,” she added.
Regarding wearing a hijab while playing, she mentioned, “We play wearing a hijab, and we have not faced any kind of problem.”
Aayat from the Kashmir valley said, “The competition is at the national level and very challenging. We are getting good facilities under the current government, whether it is at the coaching level or in terms of sports facilities. We felt good about coming here. We were given a good reception.”
On the topic of participating in the game wearing a hijab, she remarked, “This is our culture. We have no problem playing while wearing it. We are seen only as players.”
Notably, the 72nd National Volleyball Championship is being held from January 4 to January 11 and was inaugurated virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier today.