FIVB FoundationVolleyball Foundation
With the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) Super League 2026 beginning today, we are highlighting the work of this incredible volleyball community. Set in Assam, one of India’s most underserved regions, the Brahmaputra Volleyball League (BVL) has grown from an idea into one of the largest community volleyball leagues in the world.
Founded by Abhijit Bhattacharya, the league today reaches more than 10,000 children, using volleyball as a powerful tool for education, leadership and social change. Recognised by the FIVB Volleyball Foundation as one of its first supported projects, BVL has become a global example of how sport can transform lives on and off the court.
In 2025, the BVL took another major step forward through a landmark partnership with UNICEF. Across 13 districts of Assam, children and coaches are now being trained not only as athletes, but as young advocates standing up against child marriage, school dropouts and climate challenges in their communities.
Q&A with Abhijit Bhattacharya – Founder, Brahmaputra Volleyball League
The BVL has grown into such an impactful movement, recognised by UNICEF. How did this partnership first come about, and what role did the FIVB Volleyball Foundation play in reaching this milestone?
The endorsement from the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, recognising BVL as its first-ever Silver Certified project, gave the league instant visibility and credibility. It validated what we were building.
With regard to our partnership with UNICEF, the organisation has a strong presence in Northeast India, where it works on critical issues such as child marriage, school dropouts and climate resilience. A local UNICEF communications adviser, who also happens to be a BVL team parent, introduced us to UNICEF’s Assam leadership. When they saw how volleyball was positively shaping children’s lives and creating healthier village environments, they recognised BVL as a strong, scalable model for developing grassroots sports ambassadors. Our partnership developed from there.
The new UNICEF collaboration brings a strong focus on social impact, from preventing child marriage to reducing school dropouts and empowering children on climate issues. In practical terms, how is volleyball helping to drive these kinds of changes?
Volleyball gives children a shared purpose. It brings them together, builds discipline and creates a sense of belonging. Through the support of the FIVB Volleyball Foundation, these children also feel connected to a larger, Global Volleyball Movement.
One of the most encouraging outcomes is education retention. Almost no BVL children drop out of school, and participation in sport has helped many avoid early marriage. By prioritising sport, learning and teamwork, these young players are becoming natural ambassadors for UNICEF’s mission.
Volleyball has become the entry point for lasting social change.
For the children and coaches involved across the BVL, what has been the most noticeable shift since the UNICEF collaboration began? Are there any moments or stories that stand out to you?
The UNICEF programme started only last August, reaching 90 children and around 50 coaches through four programmes. Initially, we were unsure how the children would adapt to formal classroom-style sessions which were completely new to most of them.
What happened surprised us all. The children embraced the experience with confidence and curiosity. They spoke openly, shared ideas and displayed fantastic leadership qualities. It became clear that the confidence they show on the volleyball court had always been there, it simply found a new space to shine.
What are your hopes for the continued partnership between BVL, UNICEF and the FIVB Volleyball Foundation?
When two international organisations support a grassroots initiative, the impact naturally multiplies, so we hope to continue the league’s success in this area.
BVL has already shown how volleyball can bring entire communities together. Looking ahead, we believe these same communities can become drivers of broader social transformation. This makes BVL a strong platform not only for developing athletes, but also for implementing meaningful social programmes.
In line with the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) motto “Together as One,” we hope that our work continues to grow – using sport to help build a more equal, joyful and resilient world.
As the FIVB Volleyball Foundation looks to support more projects in 2026, what guidance would you offer to other current and future projects on building strong and meaningful partnerships like the one established between the BVL, UNICEF and the Foundation?
Being supported by a global organisation like the FIVB Volleyball Foundation is a rare opportunity. My advice is simple: don’t worry about scale at the beginning. Start small, learn from experience, document both successes and failures and stay open to collaboration with like-minded partners.
Most importantly, stay true to the power of volleyball. When used with purpose, it can solve very real challenges.
Looking further ahead, what is your broader long-term vision for the BVL as a movement? As it continues to grow, what opportunities do you hope it will create for young players, coaches and communities in Assam and potentially beyond?
When we started five years ago, our goal was simple: give rural children a chance to play volleyball and compete. Over time, we realised the BVL model offers so much more.
We have helped create healthier village environments, nurtured new leaders, challenged social norms and brought communities together. Girls are now receiving equal space and opportunity, and all of this is happening sustainably, in harmony with local culture and nature.
Today, new states are joining the movement. By partnering with organisations across India, we hope to share the BVL model widely – spreading the positive social impact of volleyball far beyond Assam.
