The Indian contingent, led by captain Jerome Vinith Charles and coached by Serbia\u2019s Dragan Mihailovi\u0107, met the Sports Minister in Gandhinagar after scripting the country\u2019s best-ever finish in the continental championship. India remained unbeaten through the pool stage before defeating Bahrain 3-1 in the bronze-medal playoff to secure its first podium finish in the tournament\u2019s history.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Congratulating the players, coaching staff and support personnel, Mandaviya praised the achievement while urging the team to build on its success.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThis medal is historic, but it should only be the beginning. Every achievement brings greater responsibility and higher expectations. Every policy, every investment and every effort of the Government is aimed at helping our athletes realise their full potential and consistently excel on the international stage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Union Minister said the podium finish on home soil reflected the steady progress of Indian volleyball and underlined the country\u2019s growing capability to stage major international sporting events. The 2026 edition marked the first time India hosted the Men\u2019s Volleyball Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Addressing the players, Mandaviya reiterated that the Government\u2019s long-term sporting vision is centred on academy development, talent identification, sports science, athlete welfare and increased international exposure, with the objective of establishing India among the world\u2019s leading sporting nations. He also expressed confidence that the bronze-medal success would inspire a new generation of volleyball players across the country.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Captain Jerome Vinith Charles credited the Government\u2019s support structure for helping the team focus entirely on its preparations and dedicated the medal to Indian fans.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe are deeply grateful for the unwavering support extended by the Government. The world-class facilities, training environment, recovery arrangements and overall support allowed us to focus entirely on our game,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cThis historic medal belongs not only to us but to every Indian who filled the stadium and cheered for us throughout the tournament. Their encouragement gave us the strength to fight for every point.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Head coach Dragan Mihailovi\u0107 also praised the direction of Indian sport and backed the country to achieve sustained international success.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cThis historic medal belongs not only to us but to every Indian who filled the stadium and cheered for us throughout the tournament. Their encouragement gave us the strength to fight for every point.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Beyond the historic bronze medal, India\u2019s impressive campaign also delivered a significant boost in the FIVB World Rankings, with the men\u2019s team climbing from World No. 60 to No. 42, marking another milestone in the country's rising stature in international volleyball.<\/p>\r\n\r\n