PM Modi Inaugurates National Volleyball Meet in Varanasi
PM links volleyball’s team spirit with India’s development journey, highlights sports push and Olympic ambitions
GG News Bureau
Varanasi, 4th Jan: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi through video conferencing, calling the championship a reflection of India’s collective spirit and growing sporting culture.
Addressing the gathering, Modi said volleyball symbolises coordination, trust and teamwork, drawing a parallel with India’s development journey. “No victory is achieved alone. Our nation too is progressing in the same way, where every citizen plays a role,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister noted that teams from 28 states are participating in the tournament, presenting a vibrant picture of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. He expressed pride in the improved performance of Indian athletes since 2014 and lauded Gen-Z players for raising the tricolour on international platforms.
Highlighting the government’s sports reforms, Modi said India has adopted an athlete-centric approach with increased budgets, scientific training, transparent selection and schemes such as Khelo India and TOPS to nurture young talent.
PM Modi also underlined India’s growing global sports ambitions, noting that the country will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympics.
He added that Varanasi is emerging as a major sporting hub with upgraded infrastructure, including the Sigra Stadium, and urged visiting players to experience the city’s heritage, spirituality and hospitality.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries were present at the event.
