Navi Mumbai: The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC), in collaboration with the Maharashtra Volleyball Association, successfully organized the ‘Navi Mumbai Municipal Cup State Volleyball Championship 2024-25’ from March 21 to 23 at Karmaveer Bhaurao Patil (Modern) College Ground in Sector 16, Vashi. The event saw intense competition among top teams from across Maharashtra.
The men’s tournament featured 16 district teams, with Nagpur emerging as the champions. They dominated the final match against Mumbai Suburban, winning in straight sets (25-20, 25-19, 25-17). The Pune team secured third place, while Mumbai City finished in fourth position. Sangli, Latur, Akola, and Dharashiv claimed the fifth to eighth ranks, respectively.
"The championship showcased the high level of talent in Maharashtra’s volleyball circuit, with teams displaying exceptional skills and sportsmanship. The successful execution of the event reinforced Navi Mumbai’s reputation as a premier sporting destination," said an official.
Nagpur’s Keval Barai was named ‘Man of the Tournament,’ while Syed Mubarak from Mumbai Suburban was awarded ‘Best Attacker.’ Hemant Charde of Nagpur won the ‘Best Setter’ title.
In the women’s division, Pune triumphed over Nagpur in the finals with a commanding performance, winning 25-23, 25-17, 25-30. Nashik secured third place, followed by Mumbai in fourth place.
Pune’s Mrunal Agarkar was honored as the ‘Woman of the Tournament,’ while Jayashree Thakre from Nagpur was recognized as the ‘Best Attacker.’ Pune’s Rashmi Kadam received the ‘Best Setter’ award.
During the closing ceremony, Syed Mubarak and Chief Referee Mr. Purushottam Pant praised the seamless organization and excellent arrangements made by NMMC. The event also received recognition from Maharashtra Olympic Association officials, including Secretary Namdevrao Shirgaonkar and Arjuna Awardee Smita Shirole.
The championship concluded with a prize distribution ceremony attended by dignitaries, including NMMC’s Deputy Commissioner of Sports and Cultural Affairs, Abhilasha Mhatre-Patil, Maharashtra Volleyball Association President Vijaybhau Dangre, and other key officials. Chief Referee Purushottam Pant and Coordinator Shankar Acharekar were also honored at the event.
