Kolkata: After a rocky start with four initial defeats, the Kolkata Thunderbolts, inaugural champions of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23, have staged a remarkable turnaround. They clinched commanding victories against the Kochi Blue Spikers and Hyderabad Black Hawks, with scorelines of 16-14, 15-13, 11-15, 15-5 and 15-8, 15-8, 11-15, 20-18 respectively.
The resurgence of the Kolkata Thunderbolts has ignited a fervor that is rapidly gaining momentum. With consecutive wins under their belt, the Thunderbolts are poised to showcase their true potential. These triumphs have not only uplifted team morale but also shaken the league with their unexpected resurgence. Rising from adversity, the Thunderbolts epitomize resilience and unwavering determination, poised to redefine this season’s narrative.
Ashwal Rai, leading from the front, sets a stellar example with his formidable blocks and powerful smashes. Supported by the stellar performance of Vinit Kumar, the Thunderbolts boast a formidable lineup. Notably, the synergy between David Kisiel and Onur Cukur, former teammates at Grand Canyon University, Phoenix, Arizona, USA, has been instrumental in the team’s success.
Commenting on the recent victories, Captain Ashwal Rai remarked, “Winning the first game sets the tone for the entire league. The team has played really well and never gave up. We are taking it game by game and giving our 100%. We always believed in our game and knew that if we don’t panic and just perform, result will be in our favour. I hope we can carry the same winning mentality and the momentum in our next games.”
Echoing Rai’s sentiments, Kolkata Thunderbolts’ head coach Rahman Mohammadrad emphasized, “Winning two successive games is something brilliant that the team and the players have achieved. The atmosphere in the camp is really good and the players are enjoying themselves when they are on the court. But we should not be distracted from our goal. We want to give our 100% every time we are playing and ensure that the fans get to see us putting on an amazing show for them.”
Guided by a meticulously crafted game plan, the coaching staff has orchestrated a symphony of strategies, enabling the team to rediscover its rhythm. Precision shots, formidable defense, and relentless attacks have become the Thunderbolts’ hallmark, instilling fear in their adversaries.
Pawan Kumar Patodia, Chairman and Principal Owner of the Kolkata Thunderbolts, lauded the team’s performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus. “It’s something that the entire team has achieved. The tournament is not over yet, so we must not lose our focus and continue with this winning mentality in our games going forward. The atmosphere in the team is positive. All the players learn from each other and support each other, no matter what. I feel that their best is yet to come. The players are learning from their mistakes and improving with each game passing. I feel confident that the team is heading in the right direction under proper guidance,” Patodia remarked.
The Kolkata Thunderbolts’ resurgence has ignited euphoria among their devoted fan base, with thunderous cheers reverberating through the stands, echoing the team’s indomitable spirit in the face of adversity.
