Kolkata Thunderbolts skipper Ashwal Rai was on cloud nine after his team became the inaugural champions of the Prime Volleyball League.

Kolkata defeated Ahmedabad Defenders by 15-13, 15-10, 15-12 in straight sets at the Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday.

Kolkata came up with a collective effort to write their name in the record books. Vinit Kumar continued his rich form for Kolkata as he scored 14 points whereas Ashwal added seven points in the team’s win.

Ashwal Rai said after the game, “The feeling is like the top of the world feeling. Really happy with the performance and proud of my team. We lost against them in the league but to win the final by 3-0 is amazing. Thanks to the coach, support staff, owner and all who have been involved. We practised really hard and it feels great to be a champion team”.

On the other hand, Kolkata Thunderbolts head coach Sunny Joseph was also delighted with his team’s performance.

He said after the game, “I am really happy. My players played a wonderful game. Thanks to my players, my management for always supporting us”.

Meanwhile, Ahmedabad Defenders ahd beaten Kolkata Thunderbolts by 3-2 in the league stage.

When asked what did the team change for the final, Ashwal said, “The confidence of the team changed after the semifinal win against Calicut Heroes (which they won by 3-0). We tried to maintain the same in the final”.

Awards of PVL 2022:

PLAYER OF THE MATCH (Final) – Vinit Kumar from Kolkata Thunderbolts

FANTASY PLAYER OF THE SEASON – Shon T John from Ahmedabad Defenders

SPIKER OF THE SEASON – Angamuthu from Ahmedabad Defenders

BLOCKER OF THE SEASON – John Joseph from Hyderabad Black Hawks

EMERGING PLAYER OF THE SEASON – S.V. Guru Prasanth from Hyderabad Black Hawks

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER – Vinit Kumar from Kolkata Thunderbolts