Today, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, honored the Indian volleyball team for their remarkable achievement of winning the nation's first-ever medal at the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup 2026, securing a bronze medal in the process.

A Call for Continued Excellence

Mandaviya congratulated the athletes, coaching staff, and support teams, emphasizing 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."

India's Rising Profile in Sports

The Minister highlighted that achieving a podium finish on home ground signifies the growing popularity of volleyball in India and demonstrates the country's ability 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 significant as it marked India's first time hosting the tournament, adding a notable chapter to the nation's sports history. The event concluded on Sunday.

Team Recognition

The Indian national team, consisting of 14 players and led by Serbian coach Dragan Mihailovic and captain Jerome Vinith Charles, met with the Union Sports Minister in Gandhinagar today.

Government's Commitment to Sports Development

Mandaviya reiterated the Modi Government's commitment to establishing a robust sports ecosystem through strategic planning, academy development, talent scouting, enhanced use of sports science, athlete welfare, and increased international exposure. He emphasized that India's vision for sports aims to achieve sustained excellence across various disciplines and position the country among the top sporting nations globally.

Inspiring Future Generations

Expressing optimism about the future of Indian volleyball, Mandaviya stated that the team's success would motivate young athletes nationwide and invigorate the sport's development at all levels.

In a post on X, he remarked, "A proud moment for Indian volleyball! We celebrated our men's team for making history with India's first AVC Men's Volleyball Cup Bronze Medal. From successfully hosting the championship for the first time to achieving a historic podium finish and climbing to World No. 42, Indian volleyball is making its mark globally."

Strong Tournament Performance

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 secured the bronze medal by defeating Bahrain 3-1 in the third-place playoff, marking India's best-ever finish in the AVC Men's Volleyball Cup.

Team's Gratitude

Captain Jerome Vinith Charles, speaking on behalf of the team, expressed gratitude for the government's support and dedicated the historic medal to the citizens of India. He stated, "We are immensely thankful for the unwavering support from the Government. The world-class facilities and overall assistance allowed us to concentrate solely on our performance."

"This historic medal belongs not just to us but to every Indian who filled the stadium and cheered for us throughout the tournament. Their encouragement fueled our determination to fight for every point," he added.

Coach's Praise for Government Initiatives

Chief Coach Dragan Mihailovic praised the government's long-term vision for sports in India, expressing confidence in the country's future on the international stage. He remarked, "The direction in which Indian sport is heading is very promising. The planning, investment, and athlete support systems already in place and those being developed are precisely what high-performance sports require. If this momentum continues, I am confident India will frequently stand on the podium at major international events."

Improved World Ranking

The bronze medal earned the Indian men's team valuable FIVB World Ranking points, allowing them to rise 18 places from World No. 60 to World No. 42, further solidifying India's position in the global volleyball arena.