Transforming communities and inspiring the next generation through volleyball
The Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) Season 5 Finals brought an impactful conclusion to a season of volleyball in Assam, India on Sunday. Held in the heart of the state, the event united over 400 players, 150 coaches, 200 former state players and 300 volunteers across three days in what was a memorable showcase of the transformative power of volleyball.
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Amongst the winners and participants were stories of resilience, community and a love for volleyball. Aalok VCC from the Dibrugarh district secured the Under-12 Boys’ title, led by a coach whose extraordinary dedication included transforming his cowshed into a classroom to ensure children could continue their education while playing volleyball.
In the Under-12 Girls’ competition, Banmukh VCC from the Sibsagar district made a triumphant debut in the league. Their coach, who built a court outside his home and ran participation camps while managing a demanding job, runs a volleyball centre alongside his wife who is a teacher in the village school. Following his team’s win, the coach credited his late mother for inspiring him to dedicate his life to the children in his community.
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Dulimerh claimed the Under-16 Girls’ championship after coming runner up in last year’s Finals. Their coach, a former state player, makes a weekly 400-kilometre round trip to train his team at the weekend, demonstrating a remarkable attitude that defines the community around the BVL. In the Under-16 Boys’ category, Besseria reclaimed the title under the guidance of their coach, a former state team player, who also leads the league’s ground operations.
What has defined the last few days of competition is the ripple effect the BVL has had, and continues to have, beyond the sport of volleyball. Across villages, the league has introduced children to new opportunities, built their confidence, challenged traditional norms and inspired social change.
FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, attending the Finals, praised the immense reach and power of the initiative: “At the heart of the FIVB Strategic Vision 2032 is that every single player, young person, athlete and fan counts. Fans and athletes must always be at the centre of all our actions. That is exactly what I have seen here at the BVL Finals. Volleyball has the power to bring people together and make the world a better place. I have never been more certain of that following everything I have seen and experienced over the past few days.”
The finals were also attended by a host of global volleyball figures, including Assam’s Sports Minister Nandita Garlosa, FIVB President Fabio Azevedo, Volleyball Foundation Executive Director Elizaveta Bracht, Volleyball Foundation Ambassador and Thailand women’s national volleyball team player Nootsara Tomkom and Olympic Champion Vladimir Grbić, who led coaching clinics in Tezpur ahead of the finals. FIVB Volleyball Empowerment and National Federation Relations Head Hitesh Malhotra also joined the event.
The League’s visionary founder, Abhijit Bhattacharya, spoke of his pride at seeing the community come together in a celebration of sport. He said: “The presence of the FIVB President and global ambassadors at the BVL Super League Season 5 at Tezpur was beyond everyone’s imagination. It was a huge motivation and encouragement for all the BVL volunteers. They all were super excited because everyone got an opportunity to shake hands and take pictures with Mr Fabio. His broad smile and the way he mingled with the kids and volunteers have touched everyone’s heart. It was a historic three days at Tezpur, and the people of the town will never forget this amazing experience in their life.”
In what was a remarkable celebration of sport and human spirit, the BVL continued to prove that sport can, and should be, a force for transformation and hope. This aligns perfectly with the FIVB’s motto: Together as One!
Click on the below links to hear more inspiring stories from the Finals!
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QUICK LINKS
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