Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi through video conferencing, highlighting the strong parallels between India’s development journey and the spirit of volleyball, which, he said, teaches teamwork, coordination and shared responsibility.
Addressing players and officials, the Prime Minister said that no victory is achieved alone, either in sports or in nation-building. “Our success depends on coordination, trust and readiness of the team. Everyone has a role and responsibility, and we succeed only when each person fulfils it with seriousness,” he remarked, drawing an analogy between volleyball and India’s collective progress.
As the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, PM Modi welcomed teams from across the country and congratulated players for qualifying for the national championship after rigorous preparation. He noted that teams from 28 states have come together for the tournament, reflecting the spirit of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.
The Prime Minister said Varanasi has a deep-rooted sporting culture, with wrestling, kabaddi, boxing and boat races being popular, and pointed out that institutions such as Banaras Hindu University, UP College and Kashi Vidyapeeth have produced several national-level athletes. He expressed confidence that the city’s enthusiastic sports-loving audience would inspire the players during the tournament.
Describing volleyball as a sport that embodies balance, cooperation and determination, PM Modi said the game reinforces the principle of “Team First,” where individual skills contribute to collective victory. He said India’s progress – from cleanliness drives and digital payments to environmental initiatives and the vision of a developed nation – has similarly been driven by collective participation and the spirit of “India First.”
Highlighting India’s improving performance in sports since 2014, the Prime Minister said the country now feels proud seeing young athletes, especially Gen-Z players, hoisting the Tricolour at international events. He recalled that sports once lacked institutional support, leading to uncertainty for athletes, but said the past decade has witnessed a significant shift in mindset.
The Prime Minister said the government has increased the sports budget and adopted an athlete-centric model focused on talent identification, scientific training, nutrition and transparent selection processes. He pointed to reforms such as the National Sports Governance Act and the Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, which aim to enhance transparency and allow young athletes to balance sports and education.
PM Modi also highlighted initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), investments in sports infrastructure and India’s growing experience in hosting international events, including the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, Hockey World Cup and major chess tournaments. He said India is set to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games and is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games.
At the grassroots level, the Prime Minister said programmes like Khelo India have enabled hundreds of young athletes to compete at the national level. Referring to the recently concluded Sansad Khel Mahotsav, he said nearly one crore youth participated nationwide, including around three lakh participants from Varanasi alone.
PM Modi also noted improvements in sports infrastructure in Varanasi, including the development of modern sports complexes and upgrades at the Sigra Stadium, the venue for the tournament. He said hosting national-level competitions is helping position Varanasi as a major destination for sporting and cultural events, alongside initiatives such as G-20 meetings, Kashi Tamil Sangamam and the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan.
Encouraging players to explore the city’s cultural heritage, the Prime Minister urged them to enjoy Varanasi’s hospitality, seasonal cuisine and spiritual landmarks. He concluded by wishing participants success, expressing hope that every spike and block from the soil of Varanasi would strengthen India’s sporting aspirations.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was among the dignitaries present at the event.
The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament is being held from January 4 to 11, with over 1,000 players competing across 58 teams representing states and institutions from across the country.
