Historic Inauguration of the 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship in Bhubaneswar

The 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship has commenced in Bhubaneswar, showcasing a pivotal moment for the sport in India. The event, organized by the Odisha Volleyball Association and KIIT University, runs from March 15 to 20, 2026. The inauguration was led by Achyuta Samanta, alongside notable figures from the Volleyball Federation of India. This championship promises to elevate the profile of volleyball in the country, with many dignitaries and legends in attendance. Discover more about this exciting event and its significance for the future of volleyball in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 16, 2026, 11:33 IST

A New Era for Indian Volleyball Begins

Bhubaneswar: Today marked a significant milestone for Indian volleyball with the inauguration of the 26th Youth National Volleyball Championship for both men and women at the Biju Patnaik Multipurpose Indoor Stadium, located within KIIT Deemed to be University.

This esteemed championship is being co-hosted by the Odisha Volleyball Association (OVA) and KIIT Deemed to be University, under the supervision of the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).

The tournament is scheduled to take place from March 15 to March 20, 2026.

The opening ceremony was attended by Achyuta Samanta, who serves as the Chief Patron of the Volleyball Federation of India, as well as the Founder of KIIT, KISS, and KIMS, and the President of the Odisha Volleyball Association, who officially declared the championship open.

Notable attendees included Virender Kanwar, President of the Volleyball Federation of India; Ramanand Choudhary, Secretary General of the Volleyball Federation of India; Gaganendu Dash, General Secretary of the Odisha Volleyball Association and Director General of Sports & Yoga at KIIT & KISS; and Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar of KIIT University.

The event also saw the presence of various dignitaries from State Volleyball Associations and several volleyball legends.

During the ceremony, Achyuta Samanta honored Virender Kanwar and Ramanand Choudhary for their exceptional contributions to the advancement of volleyball in India.