Outstanding players from the winning teams of the Isha Gramotsavam 2025 finals were recently invited as special guests to witness live matches of the Prime Volleyball League (PVL).
As part of this honour, they were formally recognised for their achievements and given a unique opportunity to interact with international players.
A volleyball used in the PVL tournament was presented to the winners as a special souvenir. Additionally, a video showcasing their inspiring journey and experiences at Isha Gramotsavam was broadcast live during the match.
Applauding the initiative, Sadhguru described it as a significant step in motivating rural youth. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “The raw energy of youth in rural Bharat should find joyful expression through some form of sport.
Recognition & acknowledgement from mainstream sporting leagues like @PrimeVolley is a crucial step toward encouraging more and more rural youth to take to sport. Congratulations & Best Wishes.”
Manikandan, a volleyball winner from Uthamasolapuram (Salem), expressed his excitement, “I play in a village and have only watched PVL matches on television or mobile phones. Seeing international athletes in person feels overwhelming. When Sadhguru announced me as the best player at Gramotsavam, my entire village celebrated with joy.”
Rekha, a winner from Padaganuru (Karnataka) in women’s throwball, shared, “I’ve always dreamed of playing in tournaments like PVL. Watching it live today feels like a step closer to that dream.”
Another winner from Padaganuru, Swetha, added, “For those of us from villages, opportunities like this are rare. Watching PVL matches in person has been a wonderful experience.”
The Prime Volleyball League (PVL) is a professional men’s indoor volleyball league in India, aiming to boost the sport’s popularity and provide a global platform for Indian volleyball talent. Modeled after the IPL in cricket, the league features both national and international professional players and is opening new pathways for the country’s aspiring athletes.
In contrast, Isha Gramotsavam is Bharat’s largest rural sports festival — designed to give rural, non-professional players an opportunity to compete and experience the celebratory spirit of sport.
At the Isha Gramotsavam 2025 finals, held in September, Uthamasolapuram (Salem) emerged as champions in men’s volleyball, while Padaganuru (Karnataka) claimed the top position in women’s throwball.
Manikandan, Rekha, and Swetha, all hailing from rural backgrounds, were adjudged the best players in their respective categories.
This initiative marks a powerful convergence of grassroots enthusiasm and professional sports, inspiring a new generation of rural athletes to dream big.
