Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted the spirit of teamwork and collective effort while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 72nd National Volleyball Championship in Uttar Pradesh via video conferencing. Emphasizing the importance of collaboration, he said that volleyball conveys a broader life lesson: no victory is ever achieved alone, and true success comes when the team succeeds.

“In volleyball, every player plays for the team. Everyone wins when the team wins. This game teaches us the message of ‘Team First’. Similarly, our country embodies the spirit of ‘India First’, where collective effort drives progress,” PM Modi said.

The Prime Minister inaugurated the championship in the presence of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak. A total of 58 teams are participating in the week-long tournament, which will conclude on January 11.

Volleyball as a Metaphor for Teamwork and Development

PM Modi described volleyball as more than just a sport. “Volleyball is not a general sport. This is a game of balance, coordination, and resolution. The ball has to be lifted up, and each player must perform their role for the team to succeed. I see many similarities between volleyball and India’s development story. This game teaches us that no victory is ever achieved alone,” he said.

Drawing a parallel with national progress, he noted that the country is advancing because every citizen is contributing with a sense of collective responsibility and a commitment to ‘India First’.

Addressing the players directly, PM Modi welcomed them to Varanasi and encouraged them to experience the city’s unique culture. “There’s a saying, ‘If you want to understand Varanasi, you have to come to Varanasi.’ Now that you have all come, you will see the city’s enthusiasm and spirit, as well as passionate spectators cheering for you,” he said.

Development of Sports Infrastructure

The Prime Minister also spoke about India’s evolving focus on sports infrastructure. He observed that prior to 2014, sports development did not receive adequate attention, but significant improvements have been made in recent years. “Since 2014, the government has focused on building modern sports infrastructure across the country. Cities like Kashi are now emerging as destinations for major sports tournaments,” he said.

The event underlined the government’s effort to promote volleyball and other sports as avenues for youth engagement, fitness, and the nurturing of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.

With 58 teams competing, the championship serves not only as a national-level sporting contest but also as a platform to instill values of cooperation, resilience, and strategic thinking among participants.

PM Modi concluded by urging athletes to internalize the lessons of teamwork and determination that volleyball offers, noting that such lessons are essential both on the court and in life.

The 72nd National Volleyball Championship marks a significant event in Uttar Pradesh’s sporting calendar and reflects the broader national push to promote sports as an instrument for personal growth and national pride.