Three Gujarat players named in India U-18 women's volleyball squad
Nadiad, June 30
Three volleyball players from Gujarat have been selected in India's squad for the 16th AVC Asian Women's Under-18 Volleyball Championship, with 16-year-old Rajal Vala being appointed captain of the national team for the continental tournament in Thailand.
The championship will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima from July 1 to 7 and will feature 16 teams competing for the Asian title.
Rajal will lead India against some of Asia's strongest youth volleyball sides, while fellow Gujarat players Arpita Vadher and Forum Kagathara have also earned places in the squad.
All three players train at the High Performance Centre in Nadiad, which is run by the Sports Authority of Gujarat (SAG).
Rajal, who is from Sarkhadi village in Kodinar taluka of Gir Somnath district, has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Indian Under-18 women's team.
Arpita Vadher, 17, hails from Vavdi village in Sutrapada taluka of Gir Somnath district, while 17-year-old Forum Kagathara is from Amreli district.
Before the final squad was announced, the Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) had selected 24 promising players from across the country for a national coaching camp, from which the championship squad was finalised.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi congratulated Rajal Vala, Arpita Vadher and Forum Kagathara on their selection to the Indian team and extended his best wishes to the squad for a successful campaign at the championship.
The inclusion of three Gujarat players, including the team captain, underlines the state's growing presence in age-group volleyball at the national level.
Organised by the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC), the biennial championship will also serve as the Asian qualifying tournament for the 2027 FIVB Girls' Under-19 Volleyball World Championship.
The top four teams in the competition will secure qualification for the global event. India will enter the tournament aiming to finish among the top four and book a place at the 2027 FIVB Girls' Under-19 Volleyball World Championship.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Good to see the High Performance Centre in Nadiad producing results. But we need more such centres across the state, not just in one city. Rural talent from Sarkhadi and Vavdi villages is getting recognition - that's the real story. SAG should expand its network.
Incredible news for Gujarat sports! Rajal being captain at just 16 is no small feat. I hope these girls get the same support as cricket players in our country. Volleyball needs more visibility. Best wishes to the entire team for the Asian championship! 🏆
As someone who follows Asian volleyball, this is a great opportunity for India. The U-18 level is crucial for development. Gujarat's growing presence in the sport is commendable. Hope the team can secure one of the top four spots for the 2027 World Championship!
Deputy CM congratulating them is nice, but I hope the state government also provides proper funding and training facilities for these young athletes. Many rural players in Gujarat still lack access to quality coaching and equipment. Let's not just celebrate the achievement but also address the gaps.
Really impressed by the talent pipeline from Gujarat. Three players from one state in a national squad speaks volumes about the grassroots development. Rajal Vala as captain will be under pressure, but I believe these girls can make India proud. Go get that World Championship spot! 👏
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