At the 72nd Senior National Women’s Volleyball Championship in Varanasi, the Kerala women’s team delivered a stirring reminder of why they remain the benchmark of domestic volleyball in India.
Kerala exceeded expectations by successfully defending their crown, overcoming perennial heavyweights Indian Railways in a gripping five-set final, winning 22-25, 25-20, 25-15, 22-25, 15-10. The victory was not just a triumph of skill, but one of resilience, tactical clarity, and collective belief.
A Campaign Built on Control and Consistency
Kerala’s dominance was evident from the league stage itself. Drawn in Group A, the defending champions topped the pool with a flawless record, beating Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan in straight sets. The results underlined their depth and discipline, with Kerala rarely allowing opponents any sustained momentum.
In the quarterfinals, Kerala made light work of Uttar Pradesh, winning 25-10, 25-20, 25-18. The semifinal against Haryana, however, proved to be a stern test. While Kerala prevailed in straight sets, the third set won 35-33 highlighted both their mental strength and ability to execute under prolonged pressure. That endurance would later prove crucial in the final.
The championship match against Railways was billed as a clash between continuity and institutional power. Railways, with their experience and physical presence, drew first blood by taking the opening set. Kerala appeared momentarily unsettled, committing unforced errors and struggling with service reception.
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What followed, however, defined their tournament. Kerala regrouped with remarkable composure, tightening their defence and improving ball control. The second set saw a clear shift in momentum, as Kerala’s attackers found rhythm and their block began to blunt Railways’ main threats. By winning the third set convincingly, Kerala seized control of the final.
Railways responded with characteristic grit to take the fourth set and force a decider, setting the stage for a tense fifth set. It was here that Kerala’s superior conditioning, defensive structure, and clarity in execution came to the fore. They pulled away steadily to close out the match 15-10, sealing a title that few had predicted at the start of the tournament.
Individuals Who Defined the Title Run
Kerala’s success was built on collective cohesion, but individual performances played a decisive role. A.R. Bhoomika delivered a standout tournament as a central blocker, particularly in the final where she neutralised Railways’ leading spikers Shalinee and Ezhilmathi with intelligent positioning and timing.
Captain K.P. Anusree rose to the occasion when it mattered most. Her inspirational leadership and attacking intent in the final set exemplified why she remains one of the most influential players in Indian women’s volleyball. Ann V. Jacob excelled in the universal role, while V. Nandana and Sivapriya Govind stepped up admirably as setter and libero, respectively—no small feat given the shoes they were filling.
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Head coach Dr. C.S. Sadanandan was quick to credit preparation and execution for the title win. Speaking after the final, he revealed that Kerala’s target before the tournament was only a semifinal finish, given the number of retirements following the previous nationals.
Replacing stalwarts such as K.S. Jini, S. Surya, Anjali Babu, and Aswathi Raveendran was never going to be easy. Instead of relying on individual brilliance, Kerala focused on structure. A 21-day preparatory camp, with emphasis on defensive systems and backcourt organisation, laid the foundation for their success.
Kerala’s triumph in Varanasi stands out as a victory forged against expectations. In a championship where experience and institutional backing often dictate outcomes, a young and transitioning Kerala side found a way to stay on top through teamwork, adaptability, and mental strength.
Retaining the national title under such circumstances not only reaffirms Kerala’s status as a powerhouse of Indian women’s volleyball, but also signals the emergence of a new generation ready to carry that legacy forward. Against all odds, Kerala proved once again that their strength lies not in individuals alone, but in the system they continue to nurture and believe in.
