“No victory is achieved alone — teamwork defines success,” says PM as India eyes 2030 Commonwealth Games and 2036 Olympics
BuzzBytes
New Delhi, Jan 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 72nd National Volleyball Tournament in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing today, extending his best wishes to the players and describing the event as a reflection of Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat. Teams from 28 states have gathered to compete, showcasing the unity and sporting spirit of the nation.
Addressing the participants, the Prime Minister said that volleyball embodies coordination, trust, and teamwork — values that mirror India’s development journey. “No victory is achieved alone. Our success depends on our coordination, our trust, and the readiness of our team,” he remarked, drawing parallels between the game and India’s collective efforts toward progress.
Shri Modi noted that Varanasi, known for its deep cultural and sporting heritage, has produced many national-level athletes. He expressed happiness that the championship is being held in his parliamentary constituency and said the city’s sports-loving atmosphere and enthusiastic audiences will inspire the players.
Highlighting India’s rising global standing, the Prime Minister said that the nation’s progress is now being recognized not only in the economy but also in sports. “Since 2014, India’s performance in sports has consistently improved, and our Gen-Z athletes are proudly hoisting the tricolor,” he said, crediting the government’s athlete-centric model for this transformation.
He emphasized the reforms undertaken in the sports sector, including the National Sports Governance Act and the upcoming Khelo Bharat Policy 2025, designed to promote transparency and strengthen grassroots sports structures. Initiatives like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), enhanced funding, scientific training, and global exposure, he said, are shaping a new generation of champions.
Announcing that India will host the 2030 Commonwealth Games, Shri Modi also revealed that the country is making strong efforts to host the 2036 Olympic Games, underscoring India’s growing ambition in global sports. He pointed out that infrastructure development in cities like Varanasi is part of this vision, with modern stadiums and training complexes enhancing opportunities for young athletes from nearby regions.
Referring to Varanasi’s transformation into a hub of major cultural and sporting events, the Prime Minister said that the city has successfully hosted G-20 meetings, the Kashi Tamil Sangamam, Kashi Telugu Sangamam, and several national conferences. “This volleyball championship adds another jewel to Varanasi’s achievements,” he said, inviting participants to experience the city’s traditions, heritage, and cuisine.
Concluding his address, Shri Modi urged the players to perform their best, expressing confidence that “every spike, block, and point from the soil of Varanasi will raise India’s sporting aspirations.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other dignitaries were present during the ceremony.
The 72nd National Volleyball Tournament, scheduled from January 4 to 11, features over 1,000 players from 58 teams representing various states and institutions. The championship aims to promote sportsmanship, strengthen India’s volleyball ecosystem, and reinforce Varanasi’s position as a growing center for national-level sporting events.
