North Zone Makes History with Complete Sweep at Inter-University Volleyball Championship
The vibrant campus of Manipal University Jaipur served as the epicenter of national sporting excellence as the All India Inter-University Volleyball (Men) tournament for the 2025-26 season concluded after six days of electrifying competition. This prestigious event, featuring 16 universities from across India, not only showcased top-tier athletic prowess but also etched a historic milestone in the annals of Inter-University Games.
Unprecedented Regional Dominance
For the first time in the tournament's history, all four semi-finalists originated exclusively from the North Zone, a feat that culminated in these teams securing the top four positions overall. Universities representing other zones delivered spirited performances throughout the league and knockout stages but were ultimately unable to advance beyond the quarterfinal matches. This unprecedented clean sweep by North Zone institutions powerfully underscores the region's rapidly growing strength, depth, and strategic development in university-level volleyball, signaling a significant shift in the national sporting landscape.
A Championship Final for the Ages
The grand finale on Court 1 featured a nail-biting, five-set marathon between Panjab University and Kurukshetra University. In a match characterized by dramatic momentum swings and relentless determination, Panjab University emerged victorious, clinching the championship title with a hard-fought 3-2 win. The intensely close contest recorded set scores of 23–25, 25–22, 25–20, 24–26, and 15–9. After narrowly conceding the opening set, Panjab University demonstrated exceptional resilience and tactical acumen to mount a strong comeback. Kurukshetra University countered with impressive grit, forcing the match into a decisive fifth set, but Panjab University maintained superior composure under pressure to seal the national title in emphatic fashion.
Thrilling Battle for Third Place
Simultaneously on Court 2, the contest for third place proved equally captivating as Lovely Professional University clashed with Guru Nanak Dev University. This encounter also extended to five intensely competitive sets, with Lovely Professional University securing the 2nd Runner-Up position via a 3–2 victory. The set scores were 23–25, 25–16, 25–22, 22–25, and 15–11. This match perfectly encapsulated the high-octane competitive spirit that defined the entire tournament from its exhilarating start to its dramatic conclusion.
With these results, the final standings were decisively set: Panjab University as Champions, Kurukshetra University as Runner-Up, Lovely Professional University as 2nd Runner-Up, and Guru Nanak Dev University in fourth place—completing the historic and total dominance of the North Zone in this year's championship edition.
Grand Valedictory Ceremony and Accolades
The championship concluded with a grand valedictory ceremony graced by distinguished dignitaries including Dean Student Welfare Dr. Madhura Yadav, Director DSW Dr. Pankaj Vyas, AIU National Observer Mohan Krishnan, Director PR & MC Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak, organising secretary Dr. Rina Poonia, and the entire DSW team of Manipal University Jaipur. Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Assistant Director (Sports) at MUJ, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing profound appreciation to all participating teams, dedicated coaches, impartial referees, and tireless organisers for their exceptional commitment and outstanding sportsmanship throughout the event.
Participants, coaches, and match officials from the Association of Indian Universities unanimously praised Manipal University Jaipur for its exemplary hospitality, flawless event organisation, and world-class sporting infrastructure. As the curtains fell on this six-day national championship, the tournament stood tall as a magnificent celebration of athletic unity, sporting excellence, and a historic chapter in Inter-University volleyball, forever highlighted by the remarkable and total dominance of the North Zone teams.
