PM Modi Launches National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed confidence that the sporting enthusiasm of Varanasi will remain vibrant as the National Volleyball Championship gets underway in the city.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony through video conference, Modi welcomed players from across the country and praised their dedication in reaching the national stage.
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As the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, Modi said the championship marks an important moment for Kashi, a city known for its deep cultural roots and growing sporting legacy.
‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ on Display
The Prime Minister noted that teams from 28 states have assembled in Varanasi, reflecting the spirit of national unity.
आज पूर्वांचल समेत पूरे देश में खेलों को लेकर नया जोश है। अपने संसदीय क्षेत्र वाराणसी में राष्ट्रीय वॉलीबॉल टूर्नामेंट का उद्घाटन कर अत्यंत प्रसन्न हूं। https://t.co/AZ2Cecvttl
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 4, 2026
He told players that their hard work and commitment had earned them a place at the championship, where their skills would now be tested on the courts of Kashi.
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According to Modi, the gathering of athletes from diverse regions presents a living example of the “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat” vision, bringing together talent, culture and shared aspirations through sport.
Varanasi’s Strong Sporting Culture
Modi highlighted Varanasi’s long-standing association with sports, describing the city as a hub for sports enthusiasts.
He said wrestling, traditional akharas, boxing, boat racing and kabaddi enjoy widespread popularity among locals.
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The Prime Minister added that the city has produced several national-level athletes across disciplines.
Educational institutions such as Banaras Hindu University, UP College and Kashi Vidyapeeth have played a key role in nurturing sporting talent, with their students achieving success at state and national competitions.
Warm Welcome for Athletes in Kashi
Recalling Varanasi’s history as a centre of learning, art and hospitality, Modi said the city has welcomed seekers of knowledge for thousands of years.
He expressed confidence that visiting athletes would experience the same warmth and enthusiasm during the championship.
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He assured players that the local audience would support them wholeheartedly and encouraged them to enjoy the city’s rich traditions while competing at the national level.
Growing Sports Infrastructure in the City
Modi said recent improvements in sports infrastructure have significantly benefited Varanasi. The city now boasts modern facilities, with stadiums and sports complexes being developed for multiple disciplines.
He noted that these new complexes provide training opportunities not only for local athletes but also for players from nearby districts.
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The Sigra Stadium, the venue for the volleyball championship, now features modern amenities designed to host major sporting events.
Big Events Boost Local Economy
Expressing satisfaction over Kashi’s readiness to host national and international events, Modi said the National Volleyball Championship strengthens Varanasi’s position on India’s sporting map.
He pointed out that the city has already hosted several high-profile events that created employment opportunities and boosted the local economy.
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These include G-20 meetings, cultural initiatives such as the Kashi Tamil Sangamam and Kashi Telugu Sangamam, the Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan, and Varanasi’s recognition as the cultural capital of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.
Message to Players and Cultural Experience
Referring to the winter season, Modi encouraged athletes to enjoy local delicacies, especially the traditional sweet ‘Malaiyo’. He also suggested visiting the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and taking a boat ride on the Ganga.
Motivating the players, Modi urged them to give their best on the court and said every point scored in Kashi should inspire India’s sporting ambitions.
The National Volleyball Championship will run from January 4 to January 11 and feature over 1,000 players from 58 teams across the country.
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