Senior National Volleyball Championship opens in Varanasi; CM Yogi Adityanath and PM Modi highlight new sports culture and youth opportunities in UP.
Varanasi: Uttar Pradesh’s and the nation’s sports have a new vision, more resources, and more confidence in recent years, according to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on Sunday. The 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship was virtually opened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Yogi Adityanath, the Chief Minister, spoke to players and fans at the Dr. Sampurnanand Sports Stadium in Sigra, Varanasi.
“A ‘New Sports Culture‘ has emerged under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance, strengthening discipline, fitness, and team spirit among the youth,” he stated. Sports have evolved from a recreational activity to a potent instrument for nation-building and personality development.
देवाधिदेव महादेव की प्रिय नगरी वाराणसी में आदरणीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी द्वारा आज वीडियो कॉन्फ्रेंसिंग के माध्यम से 72वीं सीनियर नेशनल वॉलीबॉल चैम्पियनशिप का शुभारंभ किया गया।
कार्यक्रम में सहभाग करते हुए डॉ. सम्पूर्णानन्द स्पोर्ट्स स्टेडियम, सिगरा, वाराणसी में… pic.twitter.com/vyOMoyKL2w
— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) January 4, 2026
“Opportunities for young athletes have significantly expanded with modern infrastructure, transparent selection systems, and mission-mode implementation of schemes,” he continued. Village panchayats are increasingly hosting competitions at the national level, which has led to a dramatic increase in UP athletes’ participation and medal haul at international competitions.
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An MOU for the functioning of NCOE was signed during the ceremony between the Uttar Pradesh Sports Directorate and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). All 58 competing teams—30 men’s and 28 women’s—as well as their trainers and officials were cordially welcomed to Kashi by the Chief Minister.
Every Indian has seen the emergence of a new sports culture within the past 11 to 11.5 years, according to CM Yogi. Prime Minister Modi supported the idea of holistic development via physical fitness and restored respect for sports with the Khelo India program, which was introduced in 2014.
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He underlined that only a healthy body can lead to great achievement in life. Efforts like MP Sports Competitions, Fit India Movement, Khelo India, and the construction of sports facilities in each district have revolutionized the country’s athletic landscape. MP-MLA Sports Competitions and rural-level competitions have further boosted sports in Uttar Pradesh.
The Varanasi Municipal Corporation is hosting the Senior National Volleyball Championship in Uttar Pradesh for the first time in forty-three years, the Chief Minister observed. He attributed the occasion to Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, motivation, and direction. With the state-of-the-art facilities at Sampurnanand Sports Stadium built as part of the Smart City initiative, modern sports infrastructure across the state and nation reflects this goal.