Navi Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], February 16: Maharashtra’s first-ever franchise-based junior volleyball tournament, the Mintonette+ Volleyball League Junior 2026, officially began with a spectacular inaugural auction held at Hotel Regenza by Tunga, Vashi. Organized byMintonette+ Academyunder the aegis of theMaharashtra Volleyball Association (MVA), the landmark event marked a new chapter in the competitive volleyball development across the state.
The evening began with a warm welcome address byDr. Jaya Gupta Rajesh, who hosted a distinguished gathering of Maharashtra’s sports leadership and volleyball fraternity. The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries includingMr. Vijay Dangrae, President, MVA; Mr. Sanjay Sethae, Secretary, MOA; Mr. Sunil Agarkar, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Sports, Maharashtra; and Mr. Nilesh Jagtap, Secretary, MVA and Joint Secretary, MOA.
Adding further prestige to the occasion were celebrated volleyball personalities such asShiv Chhatrapati Award winner Mr. Suresh Gaikwad,India international player Mohd. Zama, andMrs. Pratibha Prabhu, National Player and Co-Founder of Mintonette+ Academy. All dignitaries were felicitated with mementos by the Mintonette+ Academy team in recognition of their contribution to the sport.
Highlighting the academy’s roadmap for the future,Mr. Vijay Menonpresented Mintonette+ Academy’s long-term vision focused on strengthening grassroots engagement, structured training pathways, and competitive exposure for young athletes. This was followed by the ceremonial unveiling of the league’s officialMintonette+ ball and jerseybyMr. Rajesh Pushpan, alongside the distinguished guests.
The league introducestwelve franchises across boys’ and girls’ categories, representing a wide geographic footprint across Maharashtra. Teams fromMumbai, Pune, Latur, Beed, Kolhapur, Amravati, Nagpur, Nashik, and Palgharreflect the league’s bold statewide ambition. While some franchise owners attended virtually or were represented due to prior commitments, the enthusiasm and commitment to building a sustainable junior volleyball ecosystem were unmistakable.
The auction itself witnessed spirited bidding, setting the tone for a highly competitive inaugural season.
Girls’ Category Top Picks:
- Anooja Kumar – Rs.60,000 byNagpur Super Queens
- Shriya Chandrashekar – Rs.40,000 byMumbai NET DIVAS
- Sanjana – Rs.29,000 byNashik Ace Girls
- Sakshi Salunkhe – Rs.20,000 byPune Phoenix
Boys’ Category Top Picks:
- Sayed Arsalan – Rs.40,000 byBeed Amens
- Vishwajit Patil – Rs.35,000 byKolhapur Royals
- Kunal Gadge – Rs.32,000 byPalghar Patriots
- Ravi Singh – Rs.30,000 byMumbai Kings
Expressing pride in the outcome,Mr. Shiju, National Player and Co-Founder of Mintonette+ Academy, said, “I am glad several of our M+ Academy-trained players secured selections, reinforcing the league’s commitment to homegrown talent.”
In her closing remarks,Dr. Jaya Gupta Rajeshemphasized the larger vision behind the initiative: “We aren’t just starting an auction. We are starting a movement.” Her words captured the spirit of transformation and opportunity that the Mintonette+ Volleyball League aims to bring to junior volleyball in Maharashtra.
The proceedings were expertly steered byIndia’s leading auctioneer, Mr. Kapil Dedhia, whose high-energy hosting kept the atmosphere electric throughout the evening.
With strong institutional backing, star participation, and statewide representation, the Mintonette+ Volleyball League Junior 2026 promises to become a pioneering platform for nurturing young volleyball talent and elevating Maharashtra’s presence on the national stage.
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