Historic Achievement: India Secures First Medal at AVC Men's Volleyball Cup 2026
Celebrating a Milestone in Indian Volleyball
Today, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, honored the Indian volleyball team for their groundbreaking achievement at the AVC Men’s Volleyball Cup 2026, where they secured the nation's first-ever medal. In his congratulatory remarks, Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that while this medal is a significant milestone, it should serve as a stepping stone for future successes. He stated, “Every accomplishment brings with it greater responsibilities and expectations. The Government's policies and investments are designed to help our athletes reach their full potential and excel internationally.”
Highlighting India's impressive performance, the Minister noted that achieving a podium finish on home soil signifies the growth of volleyball in the country and demonstrates India's capability to host major international sporting events. The AVC Men's Volleyball Cup is Asia's premier annual men's volleyball competition, and the 2026 edition was particularly special as it marked India's first time hosting the tournament.
The Indian national team, consisting of 14 players and coached by Serbia's Dragan Mihailovic, was led by captain Jerome Vinith Charles. During their meeting in Gandhinagar, Dr. Mandaviya reiterated the Modi Government's commitment to developing a robust sports ecosystem through strategic planning, talent identification, and enhanced athlete welfare. He expressed optimism that this historic achievement would motivate young athletes across the nation and boost the sport's development at all levels.
Throughout the tournament, India showcased an impressive performance, remaining unbeaten in the pool stage and demonstrating resilience against some of Asia's top teams. The team ultimately defeated Bahrain 3-1 in the third-place playoff, securing the bronze medal, which marks India's best-ever finish in the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup's history.
Captain Jerome Vinith Charles expressed heartfelt thanks for the support from the Government of India, dedicating the medal to the citizens of the country. He stated, “We are immensely grateful for the unwavering support from the Government. The world-class facilities and training environment allowed us to concentrate fully on our game. This medal belongs to every Indian who cheered for us during the tournament; their encouragement fueled our determination.”
Chief Coach Dragan Mihailović praised the Government's long-term vision for Indian sports and expressed confidence in the country's future on the international stage. He remarked, “The trajectory of Indian sports is very promising. The planning and support systems being implemented are exactly what high-performance sports need. If this momentum continues, I am confident that India will frequently find itself on the podium at major international events.”
The bronze medal also earned the Indian men's team valuable FIVB World Ranking points, propelling them 18 places up the rankings from World No. 60 to World No. 42, thereby enhancing India's position in the global volleyball arena.