25 referees from Odisha have been qualified in the National Level Volleyball Referees Examinations conducted by Volleyball Federation of India (VFI) recently, informed VFI president Achyuta Samanta.
Presiding over the virtual executive committee meeting Dr Samanta said, for the first time so many referees from Odisha have qualified in national level which is a good sign for volleyball's future in Odisha.Dr Samanta proposed to set up a volleyball academy for rural junior boys and girls in Kandhamal district and another volleyball academy for the boys and girls in the KIIT University. He also proposed to organise a national volleyball championship, a national coaching camp in Odisha and international and national referee’s examination at the KIIT University. The executive body members of VFI and the general body members unanimously approved the proposal of Dr Samanta.
On the occasion, Dr Samanta requested all members of VFI to take up initiatives especially in the grassroots areas of their respective States to popularise volleyball among the rural youths.