Surat, May 3 – The grand inauguration of the Gujarat State Senior Women's Volleyball Tournament took place on May 3, 2025, in the esteemed presence of Union Minister of Water Resources and Gujarat BJP President C. R. Patil. The event was organized by the Ramkrishna Human Welfare Society with the support of the Gujarat State Volleyball Association and Surat District Volleyball Association.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Minister Patil applauded the growing opportunities for women athletes across the state and emphasized the inspiring role women are playing in the realm of sports. He stated that sports not only contribute to physical development but also serve as a powerful vehicle for social transformation and women empowerment.

The tournament witnessed participation from top women’s volleyball teams representing various districts of Gujarat. Spectators were treated to exciting and competitive matches, showcasing the skill, determination, and rising standards of women athletes in the state.

The event was attended by Ranjit Chaudhary, head of the Ramkrishna Human Welfare Society, along with representatives from several social organizations in Surat, players, coaches, and members of the media. The tournament sent a strong message that women are now playing a decisive role in all sectors of society, including sports.

Surat is set to witness an exciting sports event as the Gujarat State Senior Women’s Volleyball Tournament will be held on May 3 and 4, 2025, at the K. P. Commerce Ground in Athwa Lines. The tournament promises to be a thrilling occasion for volleyball enthusiasts and a significant platform for women athletes to showcase their talent.

Organized and sponsored by the Ram Krishna Human Welfare Society, the tournament is being conducted in association with the Gujarat State Volleyball Association and the Surat District Volleyball Association. As per agency report, a press conference held on Thursday revealed the key details of the event, where Society head Ranjit Choudhary emphasized the need to uplift other sports such as volleyball, football, and kabaddi in a cricket-dominated sports culture. The aim of this tournament, he stated, is not only to encourage women players but also to promote their recognition and respect in society.

The tournament will commence at 4:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, and matches will be played during both morning and evening sessions on Sunday, May 4. The event will conclude the same day with a prize distribution ceremony awarding trophies to both the winning and runner-up teams.

Twelve prominent district teams from across Gujarat, including Surat, Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Gir, Valsad, Navsari, Tapi, and Bhavnagar, will participate in the competition. Each team will be represented by respected team owners, and several national-level women athletes are also expected to compete. Notable personalities such as Sonalben Engineer, Shankar Singh, and CA Ravi Agrawal attended the press meet and highlighted that the tournament is open to all citizens. They described the event as more than just a sporting competition—it is a vital step toward women's empowerment.

Ranjit Choudhary also shared that this tournament is only the beginning of a larger initiative. The organization aims to work on 10 to 12 different sports by 2036, with a special focus on identifying and nurturing rural talent and providing them opportunities to compete at national and international levels.

The people of Surat have been urged to attend in large numbers to support the women athletes and contribute to the strengthening of the region’s sporting culture.

Bengaluru - Ahmedabad Defenders, the reigning champions of the Prime Volleyball League Season 2, are poised to create history as the first-ever Indian team to compete at the prestigious Volleyball Men's Club World Championship 2023, set to be held in Bengaluru from December 6 to 10.

The Ahmedabad Defenders have unveiled a formidable squad, boasting a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, ready to make an indelible mark on the global volleyball scene. Led by the experienced Dakshinamurthy Sundaresan, the team has undergone rigorous training, focusing on physical conditioning, technical aspects, and strategic gameplay.

"We have a very talented team who has prepared well for the competition," asserted Sundaresan, brimming with confidence in his squad's capabilities. "We have worked extensively on physical, technical, and tactical aspects in our training. We are focused on giving our best and showcasing the true potential of Indian volleyball to the world."

The 15-member squad comprises a diverse array of players, each bringing their unique strengths to the court. Muthuswamy Appavu will assume the mantle of captain, while Tamilvanan Srikanth and Ramanathan Ramamurthy will anchor the team as liberos. The attacking contingent includes Australian powerhouse Max Senica, alongside Amit Gulia, Azmath Ullah, Santosh Sahay, Anthony Raj, and Nandagopal Subramaniam.

The defensive backbone of the team will be spearheaded by Ashwal Rai, Shamimuddin Ammarambath, Srijan U Shetty, Parth Patel, and Manoj Manjunath, ensuring a formidable block against opponents' attacks. Captain Muthuswamy Appavu and Ukrapandian Mohan will provide the crucial setting duties, orchestrating the team's offensive plays. Angamuthu Ramaswamy will add versatility to the lineup, filling the role of an effective universal player.

Ahmedabad Defenders will face stiff competition in Pool A, where they will lock horns with defending champions Sir Siccom Perugia of Italy and Minas Tennis Club (Itambe Minas) of Brazil. Pool B features equally formidable opponents, with Halkbank Spor Kulubu from Turkey, Sada Cruzeiro Volei from Brazil, and Japanese club Suntory Sunbirds vying for supremacy.

The Ahmedabad Defenders will kick off their campaign against Minas Tennis Club (Itambe Minas) on December 6, eager to make a resounding statement on their international debut. The Men's Volleyball Club World Championship 2023 will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India and globally on Volleyball World, allowing fans worldwide to witness the electrifying action and cheer on the Ahmedabad Defenders as they embark on their historic journey.