Indian volleyball revival gathers pace with three pro leagues and a growing talent pool
Indian volleyball is witnessing a resurgence with three professional leagues scheduled across November and December. Former international GV Madhan highlights the growing talent pool, opportunities for women players and coaches, and the need to overcome factionalism to strengthen the sport.
Hyderabad: “The year 2026 saw the resurgence of Indian volleyball. The men’s teamfinished 6th at the 20th Aichi Nagoya Asian Games, this after the podium finish at the AVC Cup held in Ahmedabad,” says former international GV Madhan from the City.
“Come November, the 1st Women’s Pro Volleyball League with 6 teams, namely Lucknow Shahi Queens, Punjab Shernis, Hyderabad Harriers, Mumbai Dolphins, Bengaluru Thunders and Rajasthan Queens, will battle it out from 11th Nov–21st Nov at the Ekana Indoor Stadium in Lucknow, ” Madhav informed ‘Telangana Today’.
“Six icon players have been named for the six teams, namely Anagha Radhakrishnan for Bengaluru Thunders, Shalini Sarvanan for Mumbai Dolphins, Ayushi Bhandari for Rajasthan Queens, Anushree K.P. for
Hyderabad Harriers, Roli Patkar for Lucknow Shahi Queens & Juhi Shaw
for Punjab Shernis,” he said.
“The only connection of Telangana/Hyderabad with the inaugural Women’s Pro Volleyball league was the presence of Mrs. Sri Kala Reddy, the Chairperson of Juanpur Panchayat, who declared open the Auction bids for players on October 23 in Lucknow,” he said.
“The name Hyderabad Harriers does strike a note but not a single player from either states has made it to the squad. Kishore Kumar, former international player from Kerala, is the coach of Hyderabad Harriers. The team owned by Sujit Kumar has roped in CAVA Championship
medallist Anushree KP of Kerala as the ICON player,” he said.
“Despite of the presence of sufficient number of qualified female coaches in our country, two males namely Kishore Kumar and Lakshminarayan have been nominated as coaches of Hyderabad Harriers and Rajasthan Queens, causing some consternation among the female coaches who are in good number,” the former international said.
“What makes me happy is the fact that with so many pro leagues in place, time for some soul searching by the powers that be and ensure factionalism is set aside and a proper dispensation is in place for the uplift of this beautiful game of volleyball,” he said.”Each of the Icon players will be paid Rs 3 lacs and the foreign players will be paid Rs 7 lacs.Each of the teams is allowed to play two foreigners,” Madhav said.
“Yesteryear stars Jhililata,Hemlatha Ursal & Priyanka Bora have associated themselves with this league in the capacity of coaches” he
said.
“This league will be followed by the 5th edition of Prime Volleyball League at Ahmedabad from 30th November. The second edition of the UPPVL for men is also scheduled in the month of December,” Madhav said.
“It’s heartening to note the presence of so many yesteryear stars holding their own as coaches and land other roles,” he said “At the just concluded inaugaural Champions Volleyball League, former Internationals & SAF Games Gold Medalists and siblings Paruchuri
Radhika was the Competition Director and the elder sibling Paruchuri Nagavardhini was the Technical Director,” Madhav said. “Its heartening to note the number of players who participated in these leagues,140 to be precise participated in the first edition of the Champions League Volleyball which concluded on October 23, we have
84 women players who have made it to the different squads of the inaugural edition of the Women’s Pro Volleyball League, 140 more players will be in action from 30th November in 5th edition of Prime Volleyball League. A total of 280 players are readily available for the Coaches to select the National squad, the talent pool is huge and
it augurs well for the game,” he signed off.
