In the floodlit championship, Kolhapur emerged winners in the boys’ Under-18 category by defeating Nagpur 23-25, 27-25, 21-25, 25-20, and 15-12. After losing the first set, Kolhapur bounced back strongly in the second and fourth sets. In the decisive fifth set, Vaibhav Dhage turned the match around with brilliant smashes. Utkarsh Patil, Sanjog Patil, and Junaid Shaikh displayed aggressive play to help Kolhapur clinch the title. The guidance of international coach Ajit Patil also proved instrumental in the team’s success.
In the girls’ under-18 category, Pune dominated Nagpur in a one-sided contest, winning 25-19, 25-18, and 25-16. Sakshi Salunkhe, Vaishnavi Adlinge, and Shreya Chavan led Pune to victory with attacking gameplay. In the girls’ under-21 category, Pune also defeated Nagpur to secure third place.
The prize distribution ceremony of the state volleyball tournament, held at the Badlapur Gymkhana Ground, took place in the presence of विधायक Kisan Kathore and Kulgaon-Badlapur Municipal Council President Mrs. Ruchita Ghorpade. Chief Officer Maruti Gaikwad, Corporator Kiran Bhoir, former President Rajendra Ghorpade, Chairman Shailesh Vadnere, Deputy Director of Sports and Youth Services Mumbai Division Navnath Faratade, District Sports Officer Mrs. Suvarna Baratkakke, and several dignitaries were also present.
The five-day tournament featured 384 players from eight divisions across Maharashtra. Teams from Kolhapur, Latur, Amravati, Sambhajinagar, Pune, Nagpur, Mumbai, and Nashik participated in highly competitive matches. For the first time, the people of Badlapur experienced the excitement of under-18 and under-21 volleyball competitions. Winners of the tournament were awarded cash prizes worth ₹23.35 lakh