STATE TIMES NEWS
JAIPUR/JAMMU: The 69th Senior National Volleyball Championship, hosted at the iconic Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur from January 7 to 13, 2025, has witnessed thrilling performances, with the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory (JKUT) men’s volleyball team emerging as a standout contender.
The team has maintained a commanding lead in its pool, securing consecutive victories over Gujarat and Tripura with remarkable ease.
In their opening match against Gujarat, the J&K UT men’s team showcased their dominance, winning in straight sets with scores of 25-23, 25-17, and 25-22. The team followed up this performance with another straight-sets victory over Tripura, clinching the match with scores of 25-16, 25-19, and 25-17. Players like Mannat, Shahid, and Pankaj dazzled the audience with their powerful spikes, impenetrable defense, and tactical gameplay, leaving spectators mesmerized and setting a high bar for their competitors.
While the men’s team excelled, the J&K UT women’s team faced challenges, losing their matches against Bihar and Gujarat, both by 3-0 sets. Despite their best efforts, the women’s team struggled to find their rhythm against formidable opponents, underscoring the need for further preparation and support to compete at the national level.
The championship kicked off with a grand opening ceremony, inaugurated by Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who graced the event as the Chief Guest.
The ceremony was presided over by Rajasthan’s Minister of Sports, Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, an Olympic medalist and celebrated sports personality.
The opening function was a spectacle, featuring a vibrant cultural program showcasing Rajasthan’s rich heritage and an impressive march-past by all 63 participating teams, representing 34 men’s teams and 29 women’s teams from across India.
The event was further enriched by the presence of dignitaries such as Prem Singh Bajor and members of the Adhoc Committee of the Volleyball Federation of India, including Chairman Rohit Rajpal and Member Alaknanda Ashok. A galaxy of Arjuna awardees and officials from state and UT volleyball associations also graced the occasion.
With over 1,200 players and officials participating, the championship has brought together the best volleyball talent from across the nation.
The week-long event has been a celebration of skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship, offering thrilling matches and memorable moments for players and fans alike.
The championship will conclude on January 13, 2025, with the finals set to crown the best teams in the men’s and women’s categories.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes remain on the J&K UT men’s team, which has proven itself to be a formidable force, raising hopes for a stellar finish in the championship.
The event not only underscores the growing popularity of volleyball in India but also highlights the spirit of competition and camaraderie that sports bring to the forefront.