PM Modi inaugurates the National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi remarked that as the Member of Parliament from Varanasi, expressed happiness in welcoming and congratulating all the players.

He remarked that the National Volleyball Championship is commencing in Varanasi from today. The Prime Minister highlighted that the players have reached this national tournament after immense hard work, and their efforts will be tested on the grounds of Varanasi in the coming days. He noted that teams from 28 states of the country have gathered, presenting a beautiful picture of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Extending his best wishes, the Prime Minister conveyed greetings to all participants of the championship.

Recalling a local saying in Banarasi, Shri Modi observed that the players have now arrived in Varanasi and will also come to know the city. He emphasized that Varanasi is a city of sports lovers, where wrestling, wrestling arenas, boxing, boat races, and kabaddi are very popular. He remarked that Varanasi has produced many national-level players, and institutions like Banaras Hindu University, UP College, and Kashi Vidyapeeth have seen their players excel at state and national levels.

Shri Modi highlighted that for thousands of years, Varanasi has welcomed all those who come here for the pursuit of knowledge and art. He expressed confidence that during the National Volleyball Championship, the enthusiasm of Varanasi will remain high, the players will find audiences to cheer them, and they will also experience the rich tradition of hospitality that Varanasi embodies.(updated on 4th january 2026)