Gujarat’s Rising Stars to Compete at AVC Asian U‑18 Women’s Volleyball Championship

Three promising volleyball talents from Gujarat have earned places in India’s Under‑18 women’s national team for the 16th Asian Volleyball Confederation championship.

The athletes—captain Rajal Vala (16), Arpita Vadher (17), and Forum Kagthara (17)—will join 13 other national sides in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, from July 1 to 7. Their participation reflects the state’s expanding footprint in age‑group volleyball.

All three train under the guidance of the Sports Authority of Gujarat at the Nadiad High Performance Centre, a hub that has produced several national‑level players.

The event serves a dual purpose: crowning the Asian champion and acting as a qualifier for the 2027 FIVB Girls Under‑19 World Championship, with the four best‑placed teams earning slots.

Indian officials, including Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghvi, have extended congratulations and urged the young squad to aim for a top‑four finish.