PVL 2025 Season 4 (Match 31): Kolkata Thunderbolts Shine Bright on Diwali, Outplay Hyderabad Black Hawks 3–1

Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], October 24: On a festive Diwali evening, the Kolkata Thunderbolts delivered a commanding performance to overpower hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks 15–9, 15–13, 9–15, 15–13 in the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League powered by Scapia at the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium, Hyderabad, on Monday. Pankaj Sharma was adjudged the Player of the Match for his stellar all-round display. With this decisive win, the Thunderbolts climbed to sixth place in the standings with nine points. Team Director Sumedh Patodia praised the team’s effort, lauding Head Coach Naser Shahnazi and the players for “working relentlessly in overdrive mode.”

The Black Hawks started aggressively, with setter Preet Karan orchestrating quick plays through Sahil Kumar and Yudi Yamamoto, testing Kolkata’s defensive resilience early on. Rising to the challenge, Pankaj Sharma combined brilliantly with Muhammad Iqbal to block Hyderabad’s strikes and shift the momentum.

Kolkata’s backline remained composed and disciplined, effectively neutralizing Hyderabad’s attacking rhythm. A mistimed spike from Yudi gifted the Thunderbolts a vital super point, enabling them to establish early dominance in the opening set.

Playmaker Jithin orchestrated Kolkata’s attacks with finesse, linking up effectively with Ashwal Rai and Matin Takavar to engineer sharp offensive sequences. At the net, Iqbal’s towering presence reinforced Kolkata’s dominance as they extended their lead through disciplined play.

Hyderabad sought to turn the tide by bringing in John Joseph, Guru Prashanth, and Paulo Lamounier. Paulo’s timely block on Pankaj ignited the home fans, while Niyas Abdul Salam found his rhythm. John’s quick block on Rahul earned the Hawks a decisive super point, helping them capture the third set and keep their hopes alive.

In the fourth set, Lamounier orchestrated Hyderabad’s attack from the centre, but Pankaj and Ashwal responded with thunderous cross-court smashes to wrest back control. A vital super point win pushed Kolkata further ahead, and Rahul’s explosive spike widened the gap. When Shikar’s attempt from the middle went astray, the Thunderbolts sealed a memorable 3–1 triumph to light up their Diwali night in grand fashion.

CA Pawan Kumar Patodia, Chairman & Principal Owner of the Thunderbolts, expressed his delight: “The boys have given me the most special Diwali gift — a fantastic win that keeps us firmly in contention for the playoffs.”

At the post-match presentation, captain Ashwal Rai shared a heartfelt message for fans: “Diwali is about joy, togetherness, and light. We wish everyone in the stadium and those watching at home a very Happy Diwali!”

The Thunderbolts will next face Delhi Toofans on 22nd October 2025 in their final league-stage encounter — a crucial clash that will determine their path to the Semi-Finals.