Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi encourages Team India during Asian Volleyball Championship at Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Ahmedabad
Gandhinagar, June 28
Gujarat Home and Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi attended the Asian Volleyball Championship semi-final between India and Indonesia at the Veer Savarkar Sports Complex in Ahmedabad.
On this occasion, Home and Sports Minister Harsh Sanghavi stated that the response from sports enthusiasts in Ahmedabad and nearby cities throughout the tournament has been remarkable. He noted that the stadium was packed with thousands of fans one to two hours before every match, reflecting the growing sports culture in India, especially in Gujarat.
The Minister added that international officials he interacted with yesterday highly appreciated Gujarat's warm hospitality and excellent arrangements.
Harsh Sanghavi expressed pride in the Indian volleyball team's performance, saying that Team India played exceptionally well throughout the tournament and reached the semi-finals without losing a single match. Although the team suffered a narrow defeat in the decisive final set, he said the youth's fighting spirit, determination, and sportsmanship made the nation proud.
He said the performance of India's young volleyball players would inspire young athletes across the country and further boost their confidence and morale. Congratulating the Indian team, the Sports Minister expressed confidence that the players would build on their unbeaten run to the semi-finals, overcome the narrow defeat, and prepare with renewed determination for the upcoming World Cup. He added that Ahmedabad is rapidly emerging as a leading global sports city.
The event was attended by Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) President Ramon Suzara, Control Committee President Hugh Graham, and Gujarat State Volleyball Association (GSVA) President N. G. Patel, Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) representative Shri Dharamsinh Desai, and other office-bearers and leading members of the sports fraternity.
Earlier, Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi hailed the Shala Praveshotsav initiative at the 'Shala Praveshotsav 2026' programme at PM Thaltej Anupam Primary School in Thaltej, saying that it provides equal opportunities to underprivileged children and children freed from begging, adding that it will prove instrumental in bringing positive social change.
On this occasion, Sanghavi stated that this effort to provide the right to education and equal opportunities to underprivileged children and children freed from begging would prove instrumental in bringing positive social change. He informed that since 2022, a total of 276 children have been rescued from begging and connected with education through 'Signal Schools' and other government schools.
He highlighted that action was taken against interstate rackets involved in bringing children from other states for begging, resulting in the rescue of 33 children who were subsequently reunited with their families. He appealed to teachers to provide these children with the same affection, guidance, and values as they would offer their own children. He also urged citizens present at the event to maintain cleanliness, follow traffic rules, and prioritise road safety, the press release said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Wonderful to see the government investing in sports infrastructure and encouraging young athletes. The Veer Savarkar complex is becoming a hub for international events. But I hope equal attention is given to grassroots development in smaller towns too—talent is everywhere in India, just needs opportunities.
Loved the energy at the stadium during the semi-final! The crowd was electric, cheering every point. Heartbreaking to lose 2-3 but our team showed amazing spirit. Captain Karthik's block in the third set was outstanding. World Cup preparations should start now—our boys have the potential to surprise everyone. 💪🔥
Good to read about the Shala Praveshotsav initiative too—rescuing 276 children from begging and connecting them with education is commendable. This dual focus on sports development and social welfare is what we need in India. One suggestion: please ensure these government schools have proper sports facilities too, so kids can discover their talents.
As someone who was at the stadium, I can confirm the minister's words—fans were there from early morning, waving flags and making noise. The AVC officials were genuinely impressed with the organization. Small observation: the snack stalls ran out of water by the third set! Need better logistics next time. But overall, proud moment for Ahmedabad. 🏆
The minister's message about the Signal School initiative is powerful—276 children rescued from begging is no small feat. But I wish the article mentioned more details about how these kids are being rehabilitated beyond just education. Sports can be a great tool for
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