Varanasi: The eight-day 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship concluded in grand fashion on Sunday at the Sigra Stadium, with Railways emerging overall champions in the men’s category and Kerala lifting the women’s title. The finals witnessed a packed indoor arena, reverberating with applause as fans enjoyed high-voltage volleyball action.
In the men’s final, the Railways team delivered a dominant performance, defeating Kerala in straight sets 3–0 (25–19, 25–17, 25–19) to secure the championship trophy. With this result, Kerala had to settle for the runners-up position in the men’s category. Railways’ cohesive teamwork, powerful smashes and solid defense kept Kerala from making a comeback throughout the match.
Conversely, the women’s final turned into a thrilling five-set encounter where Kerala edged past Indian Railways 3–2 (22–25, 25–20, 25–15, 22–25, 15–8) to claim the title. After conceding the opening set, Kerala staged a strong comeback and displayed remarkable composure in the deciding set to seal a memorable victory. Indian Railways finished as runners-up in the women’s category.
In the hard-line matches for third place, Punjab dominated the men’s category by defeating Services 3–0 (25–21, 25–23, 25–18) to win the bronze medal. In the women’s category, Rajasthan outplayed Haryana 3–1 (25–14, 25–12, 20–25, 25–14) to secure third position.
Grand Prize Distribution Ceremony
The prize distribution ceremony, organized by the Municipal Corporation, was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari, and senior officials of the Uttar Pradesh Volleyball Association. The dignitaries presented trophies and medals to the winning and runner-up teams.
Several prominent personalities, including ministers, legislators, former players, senior administrators, sports officials and public representatives, were present to encourage the athletes and celebrate the successful event.
Kashi Creates History as First-Time Host
For the first time, Varanasi (Kashi) hosted the Senior National Volleyball Championship, creating history in the sports landscape of eastern Uttar Pradesh. Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Khelo India initiative, the tournament was virtually inaugurated by the Prime Minister on January 4, while Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath later visited the stadium in person to boost the morale of players.
Mayor Ashok Kumar Tiwari noted that Uttar Pradesh hosted this prestigious national championship after a gap of 42 years, the last being held in Kanpur in 1984. The successful आयोजन not only energized local players but also gave a new identity to the region’s sports infrastructure.
Championship at a Glance
- Participation from 30 states and 6 Union Territories
- 1,044 players
- 30 men’s teams and 28 women’s teams
- Over 100 referees, 60 Volleyball Federation officials, and 200 volunteers
- More than 100 matches played
- Extensive arrangements for accommodation, transport and hospitality
With thrilling matches, enthusiastic crowds and seamless organization, the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship concluded as a landmark event, reinforcing India’s growing sporting culture and placing Varanasi firmly on the national sports map.
