Isha Gramotsava 2026 Celebrates Rural Sports Spirit in Dakshina Kannada

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Bantwal : The cluster-level tournament of Isha Gramotsava 2026 unfolded with immense enthusiasm at Deepika High School Grounds in Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada, showcasing the vibrant spirit of rural Karnataka. Organized by Isha Outreach, this initiative stands as India’s largest rural sports festival, aiming to unite rural communities and foster teamwork, confidence, and community spirit among grassroots players. Over 350 male volleyball players and female throwball players from various villages across Dakshina Kannada participated in the event with high energy and sportsmanship, supported by a enthusiastic crowd of local villagers who created a celebratory atmosphere.

Following a series of thrilling matches, Mahalingeshwara Boliya secured first place in the men’s volleyball category, followed by Kolnadu Geleyaru in second place, Sridevi Snehitharu in third, and Namma Bollayi in fourth. In the women’s throwball division, Shastara Padumale emerged victorious, while Srikrishna Youth Club (Patte) claimed second place, B M Friends (Bandaru) finished third, and Rajarajeshwari Padumale secured fourth position. The winning teams have advanced to the upcoming divisional stage of the tournament.

The event witnessed the presence of several distinguished chief guests, including Fr. Victor D’Souza, Ms. Isha Sharma (Karnataka’s first chess Grandmaster), Ms. Supriya (National Throwball Player), Shankar Shetty (Secretary, Volleyball Association), Manjunath (Assistant Professor, Alva’s B.P.Ed. College, Moodabidri), and Umesh (Physical Education Teacher at Deepika High School), alongside social media influencers Akshith and Nikhil Shetty. Speaking on the occasion, Isha representative Preethesh Kulal highlighted that Isha Gramotsavam continues to strengthen social bonds through sports, noting that the overwhelming response reflects the talent and enthusiasm present in rural Karnataka. Reflecting Sadhguru’s vision that living joyfully is the most responsible way to live, the tournament fosters unity, health, and togetherness beyond mere competition.

Now in its 18th edition, Isha Gramotsava has expanded across 10 states and the Union Territory of Puducherry, providing a national platform to over 80,000 rural players from 40,000 villages. Recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a National Sports Promotion Organization (NSPO), the initiative was also honored with the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar in 2018 for its grassroots contributions. The cluster-level matches across 18 districts in Karnataka will lead into the divisional round in August, culminating in the national finals from September 4 to 6, 2026, at the Isha Yoga Center in Coimbatore in the presence of Sadhguru, where top rural teams will compete for a prize pool exceeding ₹1 crore.