The ancient city of Varanasi is set to script a new chapter in Indian sports history. Under the overarching vision of the 'Khelo India' initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's parliamentary constituency will host the prestigious 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship for both men and women. The grand event is scheduled to take place at the Dr Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra from January 4 to January 11.
Preparations in Full Swing for Historic Event
With the event dates fast approaching, preparations have entered their final and most crucial phase. In a significant development, the organizing committee chairman and Mayor of Varanasi, Ashok Kumar Tiwari, along with Deputy Chief Minister and President of the Uttar Pradesh Volleyball Association, Brajesh Pathak, recently met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. The duo presented a formal invitation for the championship to the Prime Minister.
During this meeting, Prime Minister Modi extended his best wishes for the success of the tournament. He described the event as highly inspiring for the youth of the nation, reinforcing the government's commitment to fostering a vibrant sports culture across India.
A First for Purvanchal and Unique Cultural Touch
This championship is a landmark occasion for the entire Purvanchal region, as it is the first time a national competition of this stature is being organized here. The event is expected to put Kashi's sports infrastructure on the national map, providing a new identity to the city as an emerging hub for major sporting events.
To infuse a distinct local flavor, the organizers have introduced mascots deeply connected to Varanasi's rich heritage. The official mascots for the championship are 'Nandu', inspired by Nandi (the divine bull and vehicle of Lord Shiva), and 'Neera', representing the endangered Gangetic Dolphin. In a move to ensure integrity and fair play, the organizers have also announced that random anti-doping tests will be conducted on players throughout the competition.
Scale and Participation
The championship promises to be a massive gathering of volleyball talent from across the country. According to the organizers, a staggering 73 teams encompassing both men's and women's contingents will be participating. This translates to over 1,000 athletes converging on the holy soil of Kashi to showcase their skill, strength, and sportsmanship. The event is poised to be a spectacular display of elite volleyball, bringing immense pride and excitement to the city of Varanasi and contributing significantly to the 'Khelo India' mission of discovering and nurturing sporting talent.
