Gujarat's Rajal Vala to Lead Indian U-18 Women's Volleyball Team at Asian Championship
Rajal Vala Appointed Captain for Asian Championship
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 30: Rajal Vala, a promising 16-year-old volleyball player from Gujarat, has been appointed as the captain of the Indian U-18 Women’s Volleyball Team. The 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.
Joining Rajal in representing India are fellow Gujarat players Arpita Vadher and Foram Kagathara. All three athletes are currently training at the High-Performance Centre of the Sports Authority of Gujarat in Nadiad, showcasing the state's dedication to developing sports talent, as noted in a statement from the Gujarat Chief Minister's Office.
Hailing from Sarakhadi village in the Kodinar taluka of Gir Somnath district, Rajal will lead the Indian squad against some of the top youth volleyball teams in Asia.
Arpita Vadher, aged 17, comes from Vavdi village in Sutrapada taluka, while 17-year-old Foram Kagathara is from Amreli. The trio secured their spots on the national team after rigorous selection trials conducted by the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI).
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 upcoming championship.
In a message shared on X, DyCM Sanghavi 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 prestigious platform. May Team India reach new heights of success!”
Previously, the VFI had narrowed down a core group of 24 talented players from across the nation for a national coaching camp before finalizing the championship squad. The selection 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 (AVC) 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 earning a spot.
India aims to deliver a strong performance in Thailand, targeting a top-four finish to secure qualification for the 2027 FIVB Girls’ U-19 Volleyball World Championship. The inclusion of three players from Gujarat highlights the state's significant contribution to Indian volleyball and its emergence as a key talent hub for the sport.