Punjab Newsline,Sports:
Six-franchise professional league aims to provide a strong platform for volleyball talent from Delhi and across India
Delhi has taken a significant step towards strengthening professional volleyball with the official launch of the Delhi Pro Volleyball League (DPVL). Backed by the Delhi Volleyball Association and supported by the Delhi Olympic Association, the league is set to debut in 2026, marking a new chapter for the sport in the national capital.
The league was formally announced by former national volleyball players Neeti Rawat and Jasoda Gulliya, who are the co-founders of DPVL. The launch event was attended by Kuldeep Vats, President of the Delhi Olympic Association and Joint Secretary of the Volleyball Federation of India, who assured full support to the initiative and highlighted its importance for the growth of the sport.
The Delhi Pro Volleyball League will feature six franchises and include players from Delhi as well as other parts of the country. Player selection will be carried out through open and transparent trials, which are scheduled to take place in the coming months, ensuring equal and fair opportunities for emerging talent.
Speaking on the occasion, Kuldeep Vats said that Delhi has consistently produced outstanding volleyball players over the years. He described DPVL as a timely and much-needed initiative that will offer players a professional pathway while helping strengthen the volleyball ecosystem at both the state and national levels.
Sudhir Vats, President of the Delhi Volleyball Association, also welcomed the launch of the league. He stated that DPVL would play a crucial role in identifying, nurturing and retaining volleyball talent from Delhi. With its transparent structure and professional approach, he expressed confidence that the league could become a benchmark for state-level professional leagues in India.
Highlighting the broader vision, DPVL Co-Founder Jasoda Gulliya said the league aims to build a professionally governed and sustainable sporting ecosystem. She emphasized that DPVL is not just about hosting matches, but about creating long-term value for players, franchises and partners, allowing volleyball talent to grow, earn and aspire at the global level.
Co-Founder Neeti Rawat echoed similar views, stating that despite Delhi having immense volleyball talent, players often lack a consistent professional platform. DPVL, she said, intends to bridge this gap by providing athletes with exposure, recognition and a clear pathway to higher levels of competition.
During the event, Delhi’s Junior Boys and Girls Volleyball Teams were felicitated for their achievements. The Junior Boys team recently finished as runners-up at the National Championships, underlining the strong talent base in the city and reinforcing the need for a professional league like DPVL to help young players gain visibility and progress in their careers.