From Himalayan Courts to the World Stage: Himachal Boys and Girls Begin Their Volleyball Dream Ride to China
SHIMLA, JUNE 26:
Six young volleyball stars from Himachal Pradesh are all set to embark on the biggest journey of their sporting careers as they don the Indian colours at the ISF U-18 World School Volleyball Championship 2026 to be held in Shangluo, China, from July 1 to 10.
For these youngsters, the road from the hills of Rohru, Matiana and Jubbal to the global volleyball arena has been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride filled with hard work, sacrifice, sweat and determination.
The Indian contingent includes six players from Himachal Pradesh — Viraj, Yuvraj Singh, Arnav Chauhan, Vansh Sharma, Archita and Kriti Chandel — a remarkable achievement that has brought pride and celebration across the state.
Viraj, Yuvraj Singh and Arnav Chauhan trained at the Sports Hostel Rohru, while Vansh Sharma honed his skills at Sports Hostel Matiana. Archita and Kriti Chandel emerged from the prestigious Thakur Ram Lal School of Sports, Jubbal.
Their selection reflects not only their exceptional talent but also the growing reputation of Himachal Pradesh as a nursery of sporting excellence informed Santosh Chauhan, a Coach of National repute.
Behind every successful athlete stand dedicated mentors. The achievement is being credited to the relentless efforts of coaches Jitender Dhaulta, International Volleyball Coach at Thakur Ram Lal School of Sports, Jubbal, Devender Chauhan, International Volleyball Coach at Sports Hostel Rohru, and Devinder Chandel, National Volleyball Coach at Sports Hostel Matiana.
Their guidance and years of nurturing young talent have helped transform promising youngsters into international players.
Congratulating the selected players, Himachal Pradesh Education Minister Rohit Thakur described the achievement as a proud moment for the state. He expressed confidence that the players would represent India with dedication, discipline and true sportsmanship while inspiring thousands of young sportspersons across Himachal.
Director of School Education Ashish Kohli also extended his best wishes, saying the players' commitment and hard work had earned them a place on the international stage and would make both Himachal Pradesh and the nation proud.
The selection of six players from one hill state for a world championship is being seen as a milestone for school sports in Himachal Pradesh.
As these young athletes prepare to take on some of the world's best teams in China, an entire state will be cheering them on, hoping their remarkable journey from the Himalayan valleys to the world volleyball stage ends with medals, memories and glory for India.
