PVL 2023: The stage is set for the second season of the Prime Volleyball League to get underway. Defending champions Kolkata Thunderbolts will take on Bengaluru Torpedoes in the first match of the upcoming season on 4th February 2023. Ahead of the season, Ashwal Rai, who lead the Kolkata Thunderbolts to the title last year, is supremely confident of yet another good show by his team. Speaking exclusively to InsideSport, the 29-year old stated that there is no “pressure” on his side despite being the defending champions. Follow Prime Volleyball League 2023 LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
PVL 2023: ‘No Pressure’ – Kolkata Thunderbolts skipper Ashwal Rai confident of title defence in Prime Volleyball League 2023, says’ Looking forward to enjoy with the fans’ – Check out
Mark your calendars!🗓️
The #RuPayPrimeVolley Season 2 fixtures are set and we are ready to defend our title.👊🏻
Action begins from 4th February live on @SonySportsNetwk & @SonyLIV@PrimeVolley @RuPay_npci @a23_fantasy
#EbarAbarJitbeBangla #KhelbeBanglaJitbeBangla pic.twitter.com/wzuqngXDIO— KolkataThunderbolts (@KolThunderBolts) January 12, 2023
Speaking at an interaction organised by Sony Sports Network, he said, “Yes, we are the defending champions but we don’t have any pressure. This is a new season and we are planning to start it off well. We are focusing on one match at a time. Our immediate focus is on our first game against Bengaluru Torpaedos.”
The last edition of the league was played inside a bio-bubble owing to the Covid-19 pandemic. This year fans are set to flock the stadium for the first time. Ashwal is particularly thrilled to play in front of the crowd. “This time we will be play in front of the crowd. I am excited and looking forward to enjoy with the fans this year,” he added.
In this year’s players draft, the Kolkata franchise has acquired the services of the experienced Cody Caldwell. The American featured for the Kochi Blue Spikers last year and was one of the key players. Ashwal was happy to have him play for his side in the upcoming season. “He is a very cool guy. As soon as he joined the team, he bonded really well with everyone. We are learning a lot from him during the training. He is also keen to learn from the Indian players. All of us in the team are looking forward to see him weave his magic on the court when the league gets underway.”
The Prime Volleyball league has a unique point system. Each set in the matches will have only a 15-point system, rather than the usual 25-points per set. When asked about his thoughts on the unique format, Ashwal stated, “In the International and National-level matches even though the 25-point system is used, the deciding fifth set will be only for 15 points. So we had the experience of playing it.”
The 6 foot and 8 inches tall lad however stated that the players were initially having doubts on whether they would be able to adapt quickly. “We were initially apprehensive. We thought it will be difficult to adapt. But when we started playing, we realised that we need to fight for every point right from the beginning.”
“It makes the matches much more entertaining. It was fun and we started enjoying it. For the fans too the 15-point sets will be much more thrilling to watch,” he added.
𝐇𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐤𝐨𝐧𝐬 💫
🇮🇳 will host the Volleyball Men’s Club World Championship for the first time ever in December 2023 🏆
Get ready to watch the #RuPayPrimeVolley Season 2 champions taking on the champions of the 🌍😍#AsliVolleyball pic.twitter.com/Alg0JiNbUx
— Prime Volleyball (@PrimeVolley) January 31, 2023
With India being announced as the hosts for the Volleyball Club World Cup in 2023 and 2024, Ashwal Rai expressed his excitement, “It will be the first time that India will be hosting such a big Volleyball event. I am very happy and curious. Looking forward to that big event in India. It also gives us an added motivation to win the title this year in order to qualify for the Club World Cup,” he signed off.
Ashwal Rai’s Kolkata Thunderbolts will begin their season in the Prime Volleyball League on 4th February 2023. They will be facing hosts Bengaluru Torpaedos in the first match of the edition.
Where to watch the LIVE streaming of Pro Volleyball League 2023?
Watch the LIVE coverage of the RuPay Prime Volleyball League 2023 on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) & Sony Sports Ten 2 (Malayalam) channels from 4th February 2023
PVL 2023: ‘No Pressure’ – Kolkata Thunderbolts skipper Ashwal Rai confident of title defence, excited to play before fans, says’ Looking forward to enjoy with the fans’ – Check out
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