CHANDIGARH: Chandigarh on Tuesday witnessed a defining moment for grassroots sports in India with the launch of UDAAN – School Volleyball Program a pioneering initiative designed to nurture young talent and promote volleyball at the grassroots level.
The event witnessed the symbolic exchange of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Chandigarh Administration, FIVB, ABFT, and the Volleyball Foundation. This exchange highlighted their shared commitment to creating opportunities for children through sport.
The ceremony was graced by an eminent gathering of dignitaries, including Fabio Azevedo, President, Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB); Steve Tutton, General Sports Director, FIVB; Smt. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary, Sports and Education, Chandigarh Administration; Harsuhinder Pal Singh Brar, Education Director; Shri Saurabh Kumar Arora, Director Sports, Chandigarh Administration; and Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic Gold Medallist and Founder – Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT).
The launch event drew an enthusiastic crowd of over 500 students, teachers, and school representatives, underscoring the strong community spirit behind the program..Speaking on the occasion, Mr Abhinav Bindra shared his vision for UDAAN as more than just a sports program, it is a movement built on Access, Empowerment, and Inspiration. “Volleyball is not just a game; it is a pathway to discipline, teamwork, and resilience that will empower children for life, ” he said.
FIVB President Mr Fabio Azevedo lauded the collaboration, calling it “a model for how global expertise and local passion can join hands to transform school sports in India.” Adding to the day’s significance were heartfelt stories from teachers and students, creative art presentations and the symbolic handover of volleyball equipment to Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 23-A. This marked the beginning of a wider commitment to distribute nets and balls across all 108 government schools in Chandigarh.
A memorable highlight was the symbolic exchange of gifts among dignitaries, a gesture symbolizing respect unity and the power of international partnerships in driving change. The day concluded on an inspiring note with a Fireside Chat between Mr Fabio Azevedo and Mr Abhinav Bindra, where schoolchildren and Physical Education teachers actively engaged in a lively question and answer session. The conversations left the audience motivated and firmly aligned with the mission of UDAAN- to ignite dreams and nurture future champions through sport.
*UDAAN – School Volleyball Programme* is a collaborative initiative by the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust, Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB), Volleyball Foundation, and the Government of Chandigarh. The program is designed to integrate volleyball into the school system by training teachers, empowering students, and enhancing access to sports infrastructure—fostering a culture of fitness, teamwork, and excellence among young learners.