Thank you to everyone who supported us: Ashwal Rai

The Rupay Prime Volleyball League’s debut season was won by Kolkata Thunderbolts, who defeated Ahmedabad Defenders 3-0 in the final on Sunday. After winning the championship, the Kolkata Thunderbolts’ captain thanked his teammates, coaching staff, team management, and supporters for their support during the season.

“As captain, I am overjoyed to lead the Kolkata Thunderbolts to victory. Initially, I believed it would be a difficult challenge because all of the teams in the competition were quite powerful “Ashwal stated.

“But after I met with all the players, I mingled up with them quickly and I found it easier to guide my team. It was easy to communicate my plans with the team and they listened to me, which made my task easier. We played with so much coordination and we achieved this result. I thank my teammates, coaching staff and the team management for backing me, and I also thank the fans for showing their support to Kolkata Thunderbolts throughout the season,” Ashwal added.

After winning their first  three games of the season, Kolkata Thunderbolts lost their next two consecutive games. But the side managed to bounce back, and defeated Kochi Blue Spikers to reach the Play-Offs. In the Semifinals, Kolkata Thunderbolts defeated Calicut Heroes to reach teh final and defeated Ahmedabad Defenders to clinch the trophy.

“Winning the match against Kochi Blue Tuskers after two straight defeats built back our confidence,” Ashwal Rai said.  

“We knew we just have to focus on ourselves and not take too much pressure. We created strategies as per teams we were facing, and the plans laid down by our coaches worked out for us in each game,” he added.

Kolkata Thunderbolts Head Coach Sunny Joseph also praised the team’s efforts and said: “I am very happy because of the performance delivered in the final to help us claim the trophy. It was a slow growth for our team throughout the season, and we were able to rise steadily. I am thankful to my players, the team management, the support staff, and also to the fans for supporting us.”

The Chairman and Managing Director of Pulkit Veneer Mills Private Limited Mr. Pawan Kumar Patodia, who is also the Chairman and Co-Owner of the Kolkata Thunderbolts, expressed his delight over his team’s title win, and described it as the reward for all the hardwork done over the past few months.

“I always had faith in our players and our coaching staff, and I am delighted to see that the hardwork done by our team behind the scenes paid off. I am thankful to everyone who supported and cheered for us as we went on this journey. Winning the inaugural Rupay Prime Volleyball League title is just the beginning of our success,” he said.