J&K Junior Volleyball teams shine with grit, determination at National Championship

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Jammu & Kashmir junior men’s volleyball team delivered a commendable performance at the 49th Junior National Volleyball Championship, being held from December 16 to 21, 2025, at Palani, Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan.

Competing against some of the strongest teams from across the country, the J&K squad displayed grit, skill and fighting spirit, earning praise for their spirited show on the national stage.
In their opening match, J&K faced a tough challenge against Himachal Pradesh in a closely contested five-set encounter. J&K started strongly by winning the first set 25-21, but Himachal Pradesh bounced back to take the next two sets 25-21 and 25-20. Demonstrating resilience, the J&K players fought back to clinch the fourth set 25-23, taking the match into a deciding fifth set. Despite a valiant effort, J&K narrowly lost the final set 15-9, going down 3-2. The match highlighted the team’s competitive edge and never-say-die attitude.
J&K bounced back impressively in their second match against Uttar Pradesh, registering a convincing 3-1 victory. After dropping the first set 19-25, the team regrouped quickly and dominated the next three sets 25-23, 25-21 and 25-23. The win reflected J&K’s strong coordination, improved defence and attacking efficiency.
Continuing their winning momentum, J&K defeated Uttarakhand in another thrilling five-set match. After losing the first set 21-25, J&K responded with confidence to win the next two sets. Uttarakhand forced a decider, but J&K held their nerves to seal the fifth set 15-12 and clinch the match 3-2, earning well-deserved applause.
Throughout the championship, standout performances by Akash, Sandeep and Mahir played a key role in J&K’s success. Their consistent contributions in attack and defence have significantly strengthened the team’s campaign, making Jammu & Kashmir proud at the national level.
The J&K women’s volleyball team also put up a determined and spirited performance in the championship, showcasing resilience, teamwork and competitive zeal despite facing strong opponents.
In their opening encounter, J&K faced a formidable Jharkhand side. Despite their best efforts, J&K went down in straight sets, with Jharkhand winning the match 3-0 (25-4, 25-8 and 25-13)
The second match witnessed a strong comeback by the J&K team against Ladakh. After losing the first set 20-25, J&K regrouped with confidence and won the second set 25-21. Maintaining their momentum, the team continued to apply pressure and eventually secured a convincing 3-1 victory, winning the third and fourth sets 25-22 and 25-23 respectively.
In their third outing, J&K was awarded a walkover against Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, adding a valuable win to their tally and boosting team morale.
The fourth match saw J&K taking on a strong Uttar Pradesh team. Despite showing determination, J&K lost the match in straight sets, with Uttar Pradesh winning 25-18, 25-4 and 25-8.
Throughout the tournament, several J&K players stood out with their brilliant performances. Falak Mushtaq Seema Sharma, Munisa Khursheed and Nirjala Kumari showed composure and determination on the court. Collectively, the team’s performance reflected promise, potential and a strong foundation for future success.
The Junior Men’s team comprises Karan Rajput, Wani Mahir, Abid Gulzar, Ganik Sharma, Akash Manhas, Mohd Abid Bhatti, Anshu Yuvraj, Harshul Sharma, Shail Shamim, Sandeep Singh, Mubrahir Manzoor, and Aryan Manhas.
The Junior Women’s team includes Nirajala Kumari, Khushi, Sania, Surbhi Kumari, Rehana, Rasiya Reyez, Tamanna Bhalla, Munisa Khurshid, Sanjana Kumari, Falak Mushtaq, Saliha Lateef, and Semma Sharma.