For the first time, the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) hosted an FIVB Level 1 coaching course, in collaboration with the FIVB Volleyball Foundation. The training, held from May 4 to 8 in Guwahati, in the state of Assam, benefited 45 coaches, including 33 BVL members and 12 volunteers from other regions of the country. This initiative is part of the league’s mission to strengthen its community work and empower those who dedicate their time to developing new volleyball talents in India.
Founded in 2020 by former captain of India’s men’s national team, Abhijit Bhattacharya, the BVL is now one of the largest grassroots community leagues in the world, with more than 10,000 boys and girls participating from 140 villages. Recognized as a Silver Level project by the Volleyball Foundation, its social impact has been so significant that it now takes a further step by professionalizing its coaches, who play a key role in the athletic and personal development of thousands of youth.
FIVB and BVL: a partnership for training and community development
The course was led by GE Sridharan, a former national team player and coach, and also included sessions focused on sports protection and sports psychology. For many participants, such as Priyanka Mahali, assistant coach, this experience serves as a solid foundation to develop future stars of national volleyball. Other coaches like Probin Munda and Alpana Nahardeka highlighted the tactical and technical value of the course and expressed their pride in being part of such a transformative opportunity.
From the FIVB, its Executive Director, Elizaveta Bracht, emphasized the importance of providing tools to passionate coaches who often work as volunteers, noting the key role they play in the personal and athletic growth of boys and girls. For his part, Abhijit celebrated that the training not only strengthens BVL’s level, but also inspires the replication of the model in other communities. This course marks a milestone for the Assam region and reaffirms the commitment of BVL and FIVB to inclusion, excellence, and social change through sport.
