Guwahati: The seventh season of the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) is set to receive a significant boost with Olympic medallists Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang confirming their participation as team adopters. Their involvement highlights the increasing national recognition of the grassroots tournament, which aims to foster sports culture across Assam.
Joining the ranks of prominent sports personalities, former India hockey captain Viren Rasquinha and esteemed sports producer Joy Bhattacharya will also adopt teams. This year's edition of the BVL is ambitious, featuring approximately 415 teams from various parts of Assam competing across four categories: Under-12 boys and girls, and Under-16 boys and girls. Arjuna Awardee and badminton legend Aparna Popat was among the pioneering adopters in the league's inaugural season, setting a precedent for such high-profile support.
In a video message, Olympic shooting gold medallist Abhinav Bindra expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. He remarked that the BVL extends beyond mere sport, describing it as 'a movement of mass community participation and change.' Similarly, London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang lauded the league's profound impact, particularly its success in encouraging girls' participation and leadership, and its role in transforming lives through athletic engagement. Both Olympians emphasized that community sports serve as a powerful instrument for nation-building.
The announcement was made during a curtain-raiser event held in Guwahati on Sunday, setting the stage for another impactful season of the league. The BVL continues its mission to unearth talent and instill values through volleyball, strengthening community bonds across the state.