PANAJI
Miramar Beach in Panaji is all set to host a thrilling three-day sporting spectacle as the 69th National School Games Beach Volleyball Championship (Under-17) gets underway from April 21 to April 23.
Organised by the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs (DSYA), Goa, under the aegis of the School Games Federation of India (SGFI), the prestigious tournament will bring together some of the most promising young volleyball players from across the country.
Around 100 players representing nearly 20 states are expected to participate in the championship, competing in both Under-17 boys and girls categories. In total, approximately 30 teams will battle it out on the sands of Miramar, which has been specially prepared and transformed into a competitive beach sports arena.
Matches will be conducted in morning and evening sessions, ensuring smooth scheduling and optimal playing conditions along the scenic coastline.
As the host state, Goa undertook extensive preparations ahead of the tournament. The DSYA conducted open selection trials on March 23, 2026, at Miramar, where nearly 45 students participated across both categories. Following the trials, seven players in each category were shortlisted for a residential pre-national coaching camp, which commenced on April 1 and continues until April 18.
The Goa teams were finalised under the supervision of experienced coaches including Surya Sawant, Milagrin Mascarenhas, Rama Dhawaskar, and Pralhad Dhawaskar, all of whom bring significant expertise at state and national levels.
Officials emphasised that the championship is not only a platform for competitive excellence but also a step towards promoting beach volleyball and emerging sports disciplines among youth in India. With coastal states like Goa leading the way, the sport continues to gain popularity at the grassroots and school levels.
The Director of Sports and Youth Affairs, Dr. Ajay R. Gaude, has appealed to the student community and volleyball enthusiasts to witness the tournament and support the young athletes.
The championship will conclude on April 23 with the final matches and prize distribution ceremony, celebrating the rising stars of Indian beach volleyball.
