Kolkata Thunderbolts can win Prime Volleyball League, says Sunny Joseph

The head coach also went on to praise veteran captain Ashwal Rai.

The stage is set for the 2022 edition of Rupay Prime Volleyball League to kick off from Saturday (February 5, 2022) at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. Amid all the buzz and excitement for the tournament, 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 franchise, spoke on his reasons behind investing in a volleyball franchise.

"I used to play volleyball when I was a kid. But then as I grew up, I became busy with my business and did not get time. But, over the years, I received a small chance to see volleyball being in Assam, where I realised that the players in India have potential, but are not getting platform such as cricket and football, in this sport," he said.

"I also did my research on the sport and realised that volleyball is the 2nd most popular sport played in the world and the 3rd most popular sport played in India. It built a desire in me to contribute something to the sport that I have admired all my life, so as soon as I found out about the Prime Volleyball League, I jumped on the opportunity to invest in the team, because my aim is to bring glory to volleyball," he added.

Kolkata Thunderbolts have been training since last month as the Prime Volleyball League season is drawing closer. Head Coach Sunny Joseph opened up on the team's training sessions and praised the players for their hardwork and passion in the lead-up to the start of the season. 

"We started our camp on 17th January. We faced hurdles due to Covid as two-three players were unable to reach on time. But we have quite a hardworking group in our squad and everyone worked intensively to ensure we are ready for the match day," he said.

The Coach also went on to laud the two overseas players Ian Satterfield and Mathew August, who joined the camp only a week ago. but have already mingled with the squad and are helping the youngsters in the Prime Volleyball League team.

"The overseas players also joined in and mingled with the team quickly. So we are ready to go. Both Ian Satterfield and Mathew August are extremely hardworking players and they are really helping the youngsters in the team, and motivating the players to be ready for the tournament," he added.

Mr. Patodia went on to explain the unique nature of the Prime Volleyball League and why its business model is more sustainable, as compared to the other leagues in the country.

"The most impressive thing about Prime Volleyball League is that it is a private league, so far not seen in India. Here all the owners of the seven franchises have stakes in the leagues. So, there are no chances of a conflict. Because they will never take a decision against volleyball," he explained.

"PVL is a proper professional league. They know what was the shortcomings were the last time around. So, they are very focused from day one on organising everything right from the auction to bringing the foreign players, despite the difficulties with the Covid situation in the world. They are ensuring all the requirements of the franchises are met. So, I think, this Prime Volleyball League will support the growth of volleyball which nobody can stop now," he added.

With eyes on the future, Kolkata Thunderbolts camp is also looking to build a solid pool of talent in the city and in the state, to ensure the growth of the sport in West Bengal.

"This year, we only had one player who came at the auction from Kolkata, Ashwal Rai, who has been named captain of our team. By seeing him, more and more players from the region will start taking up volleyball. We are sure we will start getting more players at the auctions from next year onwards from the state. Also, I am sure the sporting fans in Kolkata will also support their own heroes in volleyball, as well," Mr. Patodia said.

Coach Joseph went on to praise Ashwal Rai and gave reasons behind why he was named as the captain of the team.

"Ashwal Rai is a good person. He is a self-motivator and a fighter of a player. He can lead the team in the best possible way and he can bring glory to the team," the coach said.

On being asked one major challenge that Kolkata Thunderbolts will have to face in the league, Coach Sunny Joseph said the 15-point scoring system is a difficult one for the players to adapt to quickly.

"The 15-point scoring system is a challenging system. Only good, talented, and highly spirited players can adjust to the system," the coach said. "We all have spoken together and worked hard on the new format, and we believe we are ready for this unique challenge," he added.

Mr. Patodia also spoke about the discussion he had with the players of Kolkata Thunderbolts and expressed his full confidence in the abilities of the players the franchise has selected in the squad this year.

"I have no doubts that Kolkata Thunderbolts will perform well in the tournament. But for me, more important thing is that the players express themselves freely. I have told the players in my team not to take any pressures about the results," he said.

"'Express yourself freely as you are without hesitation. Play your natural game as if this is the last game,' this has been my message to the players, and I am sure we will perform like champions," he said.

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