Home / Sports / India Hosts Global Beach Volleyball Thriller
India Hosts Global Beach Volleyball Thriller
10 Mar
Summary
- 83 teams from 52 nations competed in Bhubaneswar.
- USA women and Belgium men claimed gold medals.
- KIIT University became the first Indian university to host.
The FIVB Volleyball World Beach Pro Tour Challenge 2026 concluded on March 8, 2026, in Bhubaneswar, India, after five days of intense competition. The tournament, hosted by KIIT Deemed to be University, attracted 83 teams representing 52 nations, with over 300 players and officials participating.
The women's final saw the United States duo Durish/Koenig triumph over Japan's Shiba/Reika with a 2-0 victory. In the men's final, Belgium's Vercauteren/Van Langendonck defeated the Czech Republic's Sepka/Dzavoronok, also in straight sets.
KIIT University achieved a historic milestone by being the first university in India to host an FIVB Beach Pro Tour Challenge event. The university was lauded for its excellent sports infrastructure, professional organization, and hospitality towards participants.
The event was inaugurated on March 4 by Odisha's Minister for Law, Works and Excise, Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan. Speeches at the closing ceremony highlighted the success of the tournament and congratulated the organizers and athletes.
