Inter-University Volleyball Tournament: The energetic atmosphere at Manipal University Jaipur reached its peak as the All India Inter University Volleyball (Men) Tournament 2025–26 concluded after six days of intense national-level competition. Featuring 16 universities from across the country, the prestigious championship not only delivered high-octane volleyball action but also marked a historic milestone in Inter University Games history.
For the first time ever, all four semi-finalists hailed from the North Zone, and remarkably, they went on to secure the top four positions in the tournament. Universities from other zones, despite spirited performances in the league and knockout stages, could not progress beyond the quarterfinal matches. The unprecedented dominance of North Zone teams underscored the region’s growing strength and depth in university-level volleyball.
The grand finale on Court 1 witnessed a gripping five-set showdown between Panjab University and Kurukshetra University. In a match defined by momentum shifts and unwavering determination, Panjab University clinched the championship title with a hard-fought 3–2 victory. The closely contested encounter recorded set scores of 23–25, 25–22, 25–20, 24–26, and 15–09. After narrowly dropping the opening set, Panjab University displayed exceptional resilience to bounce back strongly. Kurukshetra University responded with grit to push the match into a decisive fifth set, but Panjab University held their composure under pressure to seal the title in emphatic fashion.
Simultaneously on Court 2, the battle for third place proved equally enthralling as Lovely Professional University faced Guru Nanak Dev University. The contest extended to five intense sets, with Lovely Professional University securing the 2nd Runner-Up position through a 3–2 win, registering set scores of 23–25, 25–16, 25–22, 22–25, and 15–11. The match reflected the competitive spirit that defined the tournament from start to finish.
With these results, Panjab University emerged as Champions, Kurukshetra University finished as Runner-Up, Lovely Professional University claimed the 2nd Runner-Up position, and Guru Nanak Dev University secured fourth place — completing a clean sweep for the North Zone in this year’s edition.
The championship concluded with a grand valedictory ceremony attended by Dean Student Welfare Dr. Madhura Yadav, Director DSW Dr. Pankaj Vyas, AIU National Observer Mr. Mohan Krishnan, Director PR&MC Dr. Fakira Mohan Nahak, Organising Secretary Dr. Rina Poonia, and the DSW team of Manipal University Jaipur. Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Assistant Director (Sports), MUJ, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing appreciation to all teams, coaches, referees, and organisers for their dedication and sportsmanship.
Participants, coaches, and match officials from the Association of Indian Universities lauded Manipal University Jaipur for its outstanding hospitality, seamless organisation, and excellent sporting infrastructure. As the curtains fell on the six-day national championship, the tournament stood as a celebration of unity, excellence, and a historic chapter in Inter University volleyball, highlighted by the remarkable dominance of the North Zone teams.
