Lucknow Volleyball Prodigies Set to Represent India on Global Stage
In a remarkable achievement for Indian school sports, three talented Class 9 students from Guru Gobind Singh Sports College in Lucknow have earned the honor of representing India at the prestigious World School Volleyball Championship (U-15). The international sporting event is scheduled to take place in Shangluo, China from December 4 to December 13.
The Champion Trio and Their Journey
The selected athletes - Apratim Bhadoriya, Karthik Sherawat, and Aryan Bharadwaj - received their official selection on Monday following outstanding performances during a rigorous national training camp held in Ranchi. The camp spanned from October 23 to November 30, where the young players demonstrated exceptional skill and determination.
According to Vimal Dwivedi, coach at Guru Gobind Singh Sports College, these students have been undergoing specialized training since their early school years. "These three players have been under training since Class VI," Dwivedi revealed. "This year, five students from our college have been selected for international events, marking a significant achievement for our institution."
Other Sporting Triumphs from Uttar Pradesh
The success story extends beyond volleyball, as Uttar Pradesh continues to shine in various sporting disciplines. In the recently concluded 21st Master National Swimming Championship 2025 held in Hyderabad, the UP swimming team delivered an impressive performance.
The state contingent of 54 swimmers secured a remarkable haul of 29 medals, including:
- Four gold medals
- Eight silver medals
- Fourteen bronze medals
All these medals were won in individual events, showcasing the depth of swimming talent in the state.
In handball, the Lucknow division emerged victorious in the state-level sub-junior boys competition after a hard-fought final against Amethi. The final match, played in Amethi, saw Lucknow overcome a tough challenge to claim a 14-10 victory.
The match proved challenging for the Lucknow team, but they demonstrated remarkable resilience, building a 10-6 lead by halftime. After the break, the team implemented better strategies to secure their well-deserved win.
School Sports Flourishing in Lucknow
Further highlighting the vibrant sports culture in the region, Lucknow Public School CP Singh Foundation organized SPARDHA 2025, their Inter-Branch Sports Meet, on Monday. The event brought together students from all 10 branches of the school for a grand celebration of athleticism and sportsmanship.
South City branch dominated multiple events, winning the Overall Boys Trophy in rope skipping and securing top positions in various disciplines including:
- Races and relays
- Hurdles
- Shot put
- Long jump
- Javelin throw
Section I claimed the Overall Girls Trophy, with Ajita Pandey earning the distinction of being named Best Player of the tournament.
These collective achievements underscore the growing prominence of Uttar Pradesh, particularly Lucknow, as a nurturing ground for young sporting talent across multiple disciplines, with the volleyball trio's international selection standing as a testament to the region's commitment to sports development.
