Gujarat's Rajal Vala Leads Indian U-18 Women's Volleyball Team at Asian Championship

Rajal Vala, a 16-year-old volleyball prodigy from Gujarat, has been appointed captain of the Indian U-18 Women's Volleyball Team for the 16th AVC Asian Women's U-18 Volleyball Championship in Thailand. Alongside teammates Arpita Vadher and Foram Kagathara, Vala represents the state's commitment to nurturing young sports talent. The championship, featuring 16 national teams, also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 FIVB Girls' U-19 Volleyball World Championship. Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister has congratulated the players, highlighting their achievement and the state's growing prominence in volleyball.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 19:28 IST

Rajal Vala Appointed Captain

At just 16 years old, Rajal Vala from Gujarat has been appointed as the captain of the Indian U-18 Women's Volleyball Team. This team is set to compete in the 16th AVC Asian Women's U-18 Volleyball Championship, scheduled to take place in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from July 1 to 7, 2026.

Gujarat's Talented Trio

Joining Rajal in representing India are fellow players Arpita Vadher and Foram Kagathara, both also from Gujarat. All three athletes are currently training at the High-Performance Centre of the Sports Authority of Gujarat located in Nadiad. This selection showcases the state's ongoing dedication to developing sports talent, as noted in a press release from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office.

Background of the Players

Rajal hails from Sarakhadi village in the Kodinar taluka of Gir Somnath district. Arpita Vadher, aged 17, is from Vavdi village in Sutrapada taluka, while 17-year-old Foram Kagathara comes from Amreli. Their selection into the national team followed rigorous training under the Sports Authority of Gujarat and successful trials conducted by the Volleyball Federation of India.

Support from Gujarat's Leadership

Gujarat's Deputy Chief Minister, Harsh Sanghavi, expressed his congratulations to the three players for their selection and wished the Indian team success in the championship. In a message shared on X, he stated, "A proud moment for Gujarat! Congratulations to Rajal Vala on being named Captain of India's U-18 Women's Volleyball Team for the AVC Asian Championship 2026 in Thailand. Best wishes to Rajal, Arpita, and Foram as they represent India on this significant platform. May Team India reach new heights!"

Overview of the Championship

The Volleyball Federation of India had previously shortlisted a core group of 24 talented players nationwide for a national coaching camp before finalizing the championship squad. The inclusion of three players from Gujarat, including the captain, emphasizes the state's rising status in nurturing volleyball talent at the national level.

The Asian Volleyball Confederation organizes this biennial championship, which will see 16 national teams compete for the continental title. Additionally, it serves as Asia's qualifying event for the 2027 FIVB Girls' U-19 Volleyball World Championship, with the top four teams securing qualification.

India aims for a strong showing in Thailand, targeting a top-four finish to qualify for the 2027 FIVB Girls' U-19 Volleyball World Championship. The selection of three players from Gujarat highlights the state's significant contribution to Indian volleyball and its emergence as a key talent hub in the sport.