Vijay Deverakonda backs volleyball push as India wins historic AVC bronze
Synopsis
Days after India's men's volleyball team claimed a historic first bronze at the AVC Men's Cup, actor and volleyball franchise co-owner Vijay Deverakonda has made a public call to make sports financially viable for Indian youth — a rare instance of a film star using ownership stakes, not just star power, to push for a professional sports ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
Vijay Deverakonda has publicly called for making sports more lucrative for young Indian players.
The Indian men's volleyball team won a bronze medal at the AVC Men's Cup — the country's first-ever medal at the tournament.
Deverakonda is a co-owner of a volleyball franchise and brand ambassador of the TG20 League .
His off-screen initiatives include Annadanam drives , student scholarships, and the Middle-Class Fund .
Upcoming films include Ranabaali , VDxShoryuv , and Rowdy Janardhana .
Actor Vijay Deverakonda has called on the country to invest more seriously in sports infrastructure and make athletics financially rewarding for young players, remarks that carry added weight following India's historic bronze medal at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men's Cup — the country's first-ever podium finish at the tournament.
What Deverakonda Said
Speaking about his long-standing association with volleyball, Deverakonda said: 'This is my big reason for being a part of Volleyball and it is time and our responsibility to push sports and get our youngsters in the country to play more and make it lucrative for all players in order to get them a future and recognition because they are extremely talented.'
The statement reflects a broader concern shared by sports administrators and athletes alike — that raw talent in India routinely goes unrealised without a sustainable professional ecosystem to support it.
India's Historic AVC Medal
The Indian men's volleyball team claimed a bronze medal at the AVC Men's Cup, marking the first time the country has won a medal at the tournament. The landmark result has reignited conversations around volleyball's growing stature in India and the urgent need for stronger league structures and corporate backing to retain and develop talent at the elite level.
Deverakonda's Role in Indian Sports
As a co-owner of a volleyball franchise, Deverakonda has been among the few prominent figures from Indian cinema to back the sport with ownership stakes rather than mere endorsements. His involvement, according to those close to the initiative, stems from a conviction that Indian players can compete globally when given the right platform.
Beyond volleyball, the actor serves as brand ambassador of the TG20 League, where he has continued to champion emerging cricketing talent. His broader philanthropic record includes Annadanam drives, student scholarships, and financial support to families through the Middle-Class Fund — a pattern of community investment that now extends into sports development.
What This Means for Indian Volleyball
India's AVC bronze is not an isolated moment — it reflects incremental investment in the sport over several years, including the emergence of professional volleyball leagues that have given domestic players competitive exposure. Notably, celebrity co-ownership models, similar to what Deverakonda represents, have previously accelerated the professionalisation of kabaddi and football in India.
Whether volleyball can replicate that trajectory will depend on sustained financial commitment, media visibility, and the kind of advocacy Deverakonda is now publicly championing.
Upcoming Projects
On the film front, Deverakonda is set to appear in Ranabaali, VDxShoryuv, and Rowdy Janardhana, keeping audience anticipation high even as he deepens his off-screen commitments to sports and community causes.
Point of View
And the results have been uneven. Volleyball lacks the television deal density and franchise valuations that transformed kabaddi. The AVC bronze is genuine progress, but one medal does not build a league. What Indian volleyball actually needs — central contracts, broadcast rights, and grassroots academies — requires government and broadcaster commitment that a single franchise co-owner, however sincere, cannot substitute for.
NationPress
2 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Vijay Deverakonda associated with volleyball?
Vijay Deverakonda is a co-owner of a volleyball franchise and has been backing the sport for several years, driven by a belief that Indian players can achieve global success with the right platform and financial support.
What did India achieve at the AVC Men's Cup?
The Indian men's volleyball team won a bronze medal at the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Men's Cup, marking the country's first-ever medal at the tournament — a historic milestone for Indian volleyball.
What is the TG20 League and what is Deverakonda's role?
The TG20 League is a cricket league where Vijay Deverakonda serves as brand ambassador, using his platform to encourage and promote emerging cricketing talent in India.
What other social initiatives is Vijay Deverakonda involved in?
Beyond sports, Deverakonda has supported Annadanam (food donation) drives, provided scholarships to deserving students, and offered financial assistance to families through his Middle-Class Fund initiative.
What films does Vijay Deverakonda have coming up?
Vijay Deverakonda is set to appear in three upcoming films — Ranabaali, VDxShoryuv, and Rowdy Janardhana — keeping his cinematic presence active alongside his sports advocacy work.
