The franchise-based league which kicks off today in Hyderabad, will help the game grow further, says CEO Joy Bhattacharya
Captains of the seven Prime Volleyball League teams. PIC/Prime Volleyball League
Prime Volleyball League, which kicks off today in Hyderabad, is set to revolutionise the sport in India and CEO Joy Bhattacharya feels it is a journey not just for volleyball, but also for Indian sport.
The franchise-based league will have seven teams—Ahmedabad Defenders, Bengaluru Torpedoes, Calicut Heroes, Chennai Blitz, Hyderabad Black Hawks, Kochi Blue Spikers, and Kolkata Thunderbolts.
The tournament will played at the Gachibowli Stadium in Hyderabad. A total of 24 matches will be played with the final being held on February 27.
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"For the past 75 years, Indian sport has been run by federations—some well but most of them not really well. The job of the federations is to develop grassroots talent and create national teams. But very often, they are not the best people to do that. And so the Prime Volleyball League will try to grow a game which is really popular worldwide, easy to play with in limited areas and which already has a great base in India. This is the opportunity to get the game really going in the country. This is a journey not just for volleyball, but also for Indian sport," said Bhattacharya during a virtual meet on Friday.
Prime Volleyball League CEO Joy Bhattacharya
"The quality of the competition is going to be absolutely fantastic. I am really excited and delighted that we have come so far. I am looking forward to a really exciting tournament," added the former Team Director of the IPL franchise Kolkata Knight Riders.
The opening fixture will see Hyderabad Black Hawks lock horns with Kochi Blue Spikers. Hawks captain Vipul Kumar sounded confident of his team's chances in the opener. “We are completely prepared for the tournament. We will get a chance to showcase all the strategies and plans we have made with our head coach Ruben Wolochin on the first day of the tournament itself. We are excited to play the competition. The fans will also get to watch good volleyball action. I feel this tournament will really help in growing the sport of volleyball in India," said Kumar, who has made eight appearances for the national side.
The Spikers attacker Colton Cowell expressed that his team are also ready to compete. "The Prime Volleyball League is certainly exciting. It's the beginning of a journey for many Indian players and international players like myself to grow the sport of volleyball and the help the sport gain exposure. The level of the team's practice has been very high and we have carried out efficient training programs. We are prepared to step on the court and compete," said the American international.
The event will be telecast live on Sony Ten 1 (English), Sony Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) & Sony Ten 2 (Malayalam)
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