Context: Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship (Men and Women) in Varanasi.
- On this occasion, he emphasized that initiatives such as the National SportsGovernance Act and the Khelo India Policy 2025 are promoting transparency in sports organizations and provide equal opportunities to genuine talent.
About the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship
- Venue and Date: The tournament is being held at Dr Sampoornanand Sports Stadium, Sigra, Varanasi from January 4 to 11, 2025.
- UP is hosting the championship after 1984.
- Official mascots of the event: Nandi (Bull) and the Neera (Dolphin)
- Participants List: This Championship features over 1,000 players from 58 teams (30 men’s teams and 28 women’s teams) nationwide promising high-level competition and showcasing emerging talent in volleyball.
- The Railways team, a combined team of all three wings of the armed forces (Navy, Army and Air Force) are also participating in the tournament.
- The players selected from the championship will go on to represent India in international matches.
- Significance for Varanasi: This championship is being held in Varanasi for the first time.
- Hosting the event in Varanasi underscores the city’s growing emphasis on sports while complementing its rich cultural and spiritual heritage, establishing it as an important hub for national sporting and cultural events.
