Archive · 4 Jan 2026
PM Modi inaugurates national volleyball tournament, discusses 2036 Olympics
Prime Minister Narendra Modi started a big volleyball tournament called the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi.
He did this through a video call.
The tournament will have 58 teams with over 1,000 players.
Modi also talked about India's plans to host the 2036 Olympics and the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
He said India is ready and has been hosting many big sports events.
He also talked about how sports are important for the country and how the government is helping athletes.
The tournament is a big deal for Varanasi and shows how the city is becoming a hub for sports and culture.
Jay Shah, the ICC chairman, mentioned that after the 2030 Commonwealth Games, India aims to host the 2036 Olympics in Gujarat and set a target of winning 100 medals, with Gujarat contributing 10.
He also praised the success of Indian women athletes and the growing impact of women's sports.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the new sports culture in Uttar Pradesh and the country, emphasizing the importance of sports for personality development and nation-building.
He mentioned the modern sports infrastructure and the efforts to promote sports at every level.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi on Sunday at 12 noon.
The event is being held at the Sigra Stadium and will conclude on January 11, featuring 58 teams (30 men's and 28 women's) with 1,044 players.
Modi highlighted India's preparations for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games and the 2030 Commonwealth Games, emphasizing the country's readiness and past successes in hosting major international events.
He drew parallels between volleyball and India's growth story, stressing the importance of teamwork, coordination, and trust in both sports and national development.
Modi also discussed the government's efforts to reform the sports sector, including the National Sports Governance Act and Khelo Bharat Neeti 2025, aimed at providing better opportunities for young athletes.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, and 1,044 players from across India
- What
- Inauguration of the 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship and discussion on India's preparations for the 2036 Olympics
- When
- Sunday, January 7, 2024, at 12 noon
- Where
- Sigra Stadium, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
- Why
- To kick off the national volleyball tournament, promote sports in the region, and highlight India's preparations for hosting major international sporting events
- Event
- 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship
- Inauguration Date
- Sunday, January 7, 2024
- Inauguration Time
- 12 noon
- Location
- Sigra Stadium, Varanasi
- Teams Participating
- 58 (30 men's and 28 women's)
- Players Participating
- 1,044 (540 men and 504 women)
- Organizing Committee President
- Ashok Tiwari
- UP Volleyball Association President
- Brajesh Pathak
- India's 2036 Olympics Bid
- Submitted Letter of Intent to IOC in October 2024
- 2030 Commonwealth Games
- To be held in India
- Gujarat's 2036 Olympics Target
- Aim for 100 medals, with Gujarat contributing 10
Sources
PM to inaugurate national volleyball tournament in Varanasi virtually
PM Modi to inaugurate 72nd National Volleyball Championship in Varanasi
India preparing with full strength to host 2036 Olympics: Modi
India Preparing With Full Strength to Host 2036 Olympics: PM Modi
Showcases 'Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat' spirit: PM Modi after inaugurating National Volleyball Tournament
India preparing with full strength to host 2036 Olympics: PM Modi
‘Game of balance, cooperation’: PM Modi draws parallels between volleyball and India’s growth story
India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi
Confident that Varanasi’s enthusiastic people will make National Volleyball a huge success: PM Modi
India is now actively preparing to bid for the 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi
India is preparing with full strength to host 2036 Olympics, says PM Modi
Varanasi Emerges as Sports Hub as PM Modi Inaugurates 72nd Senior National Volleyball Championship
India making strong efforts to host 2036 Olympics: PM Modi
Players hail growing opportunities as PM Modi inaugurates Volleyball Nationals in Varanasi
India is preparing to host the 2036 Olympics with full strength: Prime Minister
UP building national leadership with new sports culture: CM Yogi
After Commonwealth 2030, India aims to host 2036 Olympics in Gujarat: Jay Shah
72nd National Volleyball Tournament: Varanasi stadium hosts 58 teams, J&K players overjoyed
From Commonwealth Games 2030 to Olympics 2036: PM Modi outlines India’s sports ambition
Sports have become a powerful tool for nation-building: Adityanath
India eyes 2036 Olympics, PM Modi says hosting mega events key for athletes
