Kolkata, India: The Bengaluru Torpedoes kicked off their journey in the third season of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League, powered by A23, with a hard-fought victory of 16-14, 14-16, 15-13, 15-10 against the Kolkata Thunderbolts at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Thursday. Thomas Heptinstall shone as the Player of the Match. Rahul’s impressive serving initially gave Kolkata Thunderbolts the upper hand. With Skipper Ashwal Rai joining forces, Bengaluru struggled to counter Kolkata’s aggressive play. However, Coach David Lee’s strategic adjustments, particularly entrusting Srajan with powerful serves, swung the momentum back to the Torpedoes. Heptinstall’s finesse along the lines pushed Bengaluru into a narrow lead. Kolkata rallied behind Vinit Rai, whose solid gameplay briefly turned the tide again. As the game progressed, Kolkata’s passing improved while Bengaluru suffered from unforced errors. The match evolved into a thrilling duel between outside hitters Vinit and Heptinstall.
Reflecting on the match, Head Coach Rahman Mohammadrad stated, “Despite the promising preseason training, I believe our team has the potential to excel further. They possess the fighting spirit and motivation necessary for victory; they simply need to maintain focus.” Looking ahead, Kolkata Thunderbolts are set to face last season’s champions, Ahmedabad Defenders, who enter the match buoyed by a sensational win against Chennai Blitz. Mohammadrad emphasized the need to approach every match with utmost seriousness, highlighting the strength of all nine teams in the league.
Coach David’s calculated risks paid dividends, with Heptinstall exploiting his height advantage to breach Kolkata’s defense. Despite Vinit’s persistent threat, Bengaluru’s disciplined defense and a thrilling super point secured a remarkable win. The RuPay Prime Volleyball League Season 3, dubbed the ‘Asli Entertainer’, promises another exciting season, broadcast on Sony Sports Network in multiple languages.
The season commenced with a grand Opening Ceremony at Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, Chennai, featuring Bollywood Superstar and Fitness Icon Hrithik Roshan as the brand ambassador, adding to the league’s allure. Distinguished personalities from sports and entertainment, including team owners, captains, and the esteemed Sports Minister of Tamil Nadu, graced the event, marking the beginning of thrilling clashes among nine franchises.
The meticulously planned event showcased each team’s culture, emphasizing their commitment to fair play and sportsmanship. Kolkata Thunderbolt’s Principal Owner & Chairman Mr. Pawan Kumar Patodia and Team Captain Ashwal Rai received recognition as strong contenders. The addition of Delhi Toofans franchise, represented by Mr. Alok Sanghi, heightened anticipation. Ahmedabad Defenders ceremoniously unveiled the Rolling Trophy, officially inaugurating the tournament, while the vibrant official match jerseys added to the excitement, showcasing each team’s personality.
