Assam’s Abhijit Bhattacharyya Bags Prestigious IOC Global Award

The former Indian volleyball captain Abhijit Bhattacharya has been honoured with the prestigious IOC Global Gender Equality , Diversity and Inclusion (GEDI) Champions Award at IWG Global Summit in Birmingham, for advancing gender equality through grassroots sports initiatives. The award was presented by IOC president Kristy Coventry in recognition of Bhattacharya’s transformative work in using sports as a powerful tool to break gender barriers and promote social inclusion. Bhattacharya dedicated the honour to every grassroots coach and volunteer associated with the Brahmaputra Volleyball League, and to the countless others across the world who continue to carry the spirit of sports from one generation to the next. He also expressed gratitude to the entire BVL family, including players, parents, partners, volunteers, supporters and everyone who believed in the movement and contributed to its success. From regional initiative to globally recognised model, the Brahmaputra Volleyball League has evolved into India’s most impactful grassroots sports ecosystem, engaging more than 12,000 children across over 400 village teams in Assam. The program has been recognised for using volleyball as a platform, ensuring equal participation of girls and boys while integrating sport with education, leadership development, and community-building. Also, adding a powerful environmental dimension to his global recognition, Bhattacharya announced to plant one tree for every country and every sport affiliated with the IOC. Each tree, representing a unique species, will stand as a living embodiment of “ Unity in Diversity ”, echoing the universal values that sport inspires across the world. Also Read: Bhogeswar Baruah National Sports Awards Conferred in Guwahati