Volleyball at National Games: A Look Back and What to Expect in 2025
The National Games are a celebration of India’s sporting spirit, and volleyball has always been one of its marquee events.
The last edition saw thrilling matches, jaw-dropping rallies, and emotional victories, leaving fans craving more.
As we gear up for the 2025 edition, here’s a recap of last year’s matches, the results, and what to expect this year.
Men’s Volleyball: Kerala Reigns Supreme
Final Results (2024 National Games)
Gold Medal Match:
Kerala defeated Haryana 3-1 (25-21, 22-25, 25-19, 25-17).
Kerala’s Jerome Vinith and Jithin N dominated with powerful spikes, while Erin Varghese delivered critical serves.
Haryana’s Sachin Dagar led a valiant fightback in the second set but couldn’t sustain the momentum.
Bronze Medal Match:
Karnataka defeated Punjab 3-2 (25-18, 23-25, 25-20, 19-25, 15-13).
Karnataka’s Sudheer Shetty and Hari Prasad S played clutch volleyball, securing a hard-fought victory in a five-set thriller.
Standout Performances
Jerome Vinith (Kerala): MVP of the tournament with exceptional all-round performances.
Sachin Dagar (Haryana): Known for his explosive attacking game.
Vinayak Lakshmi Rokhade (Karnataka): A key leader and strategist on the court.
Women’s Volleyball: Kerala’s Double Delight
Final Results (2024 National Games)
Gold Medal Match:
Kerala defeated Tamil Nadu 3-0 (25-19, 25-18, 25-22).
Kerala’s Jini K S and Mariya Sebastian combined finesse with power, dismantling Tamil Nadu’s defense.
Tamil Nadu’s Angel Joseph fought valiantly but couldn’t break Kerala’s dominance.
Bronze Medal Match:
Rajasthan defeated Uttarakhand 3-2 (22-25, 25-22, 19-25, 25-21, 15-11).
Rajasthan’s Sakshi Kumari stood out with her powerful serves and quick reactions at the net.
Standout Performances
Jini K S (Kerala): An unstoppable force, named Player of the Tournament.
Angel Joseph (Tamil Nadu): Delivered several match-winning plays during the league stages.
Sakshi Kumari (Rajasthan): A rising star who showcased her leadership skills under pressure.
What to Expect in 2025
Men’s Volleyball
Kerala: The defending champions will look to retain their title, with stalwarts like Jerome Vinith, Jithin N, and Erin Varghese leading the charge.
Haryana: With players like Sachin Dagar and Prince, Haryana is determined to overcome last year’s heartbreak.
Karnataka: A team to watch, featuring the versatile Vinayak Lakshmi Rokhade and explosive Sudheer Shetty.
Dark Horses: Tamil Nadu and Punjab, led by players like Ukkrapandian M and Preet Karan, could spring surprises.
Women’s Volleyball
Kerala: Dominant as ever, with Jini K S and Mariya Sebastian at the helm.
Tamil Nadu: Angel Joseph and Shaalini Saravanan will be looking for redemption after last year’s loss.
Uttarakhand: With promising talents like Kirti Thapa and Neha Raj, they’re ready to challenge the top teams.
Dark Horses: Rajasthan, led by Sakshi Kumari, could continue their upward trajectory.
Schedule and Venue
This year’s volleyball tournament promises a packed schedule with electrifying matchups from the league stages to the finals.
Fans can expect high-quality action in state-of-the-art venues designed to enhance the viewing experience.
Key Matches to Watch
1. Kerala vs. Haryana: A potential rematch of last year’s final, this clash will showcase the best talent in Indian men’s volleyball.
2. Kerala vs. Tamil Nadu (Women’s): The battle of attacking brilliance versus tactical defense.
3. Rajasthan vs. Uttarakhand (Women’s): Both teams have exciting young players eager to prove themselves.
The National Games are more than just a competition; they’re a celebration of skill, passion, and the undying spirit of sportsmanship.
With rising stars and experienced legends stepping onto the court, 2025 promises to be another unforgettable chapter in Indian volleyball.
Let the games begin!
