After losing the final in the inaugural campaign, the Defenders came back strongly and were a force to be reckoned with from the start of the second season.
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Ahmedabad Defenders went one step further in the second season of RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 to clinch the all-important title. In the end, they defeated Bengaluru Torpedoes by a 15-7, 15-10, 18-20, 13-15, 15-8 scoreline. The final at the Regional Sports Centre, Kochi, was one to remember for. With a lot riding on that encounter, the action-packed final was a treat for volleyball supporters. Even though Bengaluru Torpedoes lost that game, they can be extremely proud at the way they played all season.
Credit has to be given to Ahmedabad Defenders for the way they conducted themselves throughout this tournament. After losing the final in the inaugural campaign, they came back strongly and were a force to be reckoned with from the start of the second season. It was their will and determination, which helped them win the coveted trophy in the end. Angamuthu Ramaswamy, who was named the player of the match in the final, was unable to put his excitement into words.
“I don’t know how to express this feeling. We have waited for this moment for a long time. I just want to enjoy this,” he was quoted as saying by a press release. “Last year we were in the final but we finished as runners-up. Before the match, there were a lot of things going on in my mind and I didn’t want a repeat of last season’s result. I just kept my focus and didn’t get distracted much,” he added.
It is to be noted that Kolkata Thunderbolts had lifted the PVL title last year after overcoming Ahmedabad Defenders 15-13, 15-10, 15-12 in the final. However, the Defenders have done well to bounce back from that disappointment to lift the trophy this year. Angamuthu then extended his praise to Bengaluru Torpedoes by calling them a “formidable opponent.” He stated, “The way the Bengaluru Torpedoes started was good but after we won the first two sets. However, their plan worked in the next two sets. They put us under pressure with their game. They were a formidable opponent in the Final.”
Meanwhile, Harsh Chaudhary, who also plays as a Universal for the Ahmedabad Defenders, was unable to control his excitement. He went on to thank everyone associated with the team for their constant support during the tournament. “It feels so good to lift the trophy. I feel like I have achieved something big in my life. I would like to thank the entire coaching staff, support staff and management for their constant motivation, and support throughout the league. I talked to my parents who were so happy to see me with the medal and the trophy.”
Harsh Chaudhary then went on to praise Bengaluru Torpedoes for the fightback they showed in the final. He further added, “They played really well after losing the first two sets. It was a fault on our part as well as we became a bit overconfident after winning the first two sets. We missed our super point and made some unforced errors but we made it up for our mistakes in the final set.”
