Bengaluru - Ahmedabad Defenders, the reigning champions of the Prime Volleyball League Season 2, are poised to create history as the first-ever Indian team to compete at the prestigious Volleyball Men's Club World Championship 2023, set to be held in Bengaluru from December 6 to 10.
The Ahmedabad Defenders have unveiled a formidable squad, boasting a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, ready to make an indelible mark on the global volleyball scene. Led by the experienced Dakshinamurthy Sundaresan, the team has undergone rigorous training, focusing on physical conditioning, technical aspects, and strategic gameplay.
"We have a very talented team who has prepared well for the competition," asserted Sundaresan, brimming with confidence in his squad's capabilities. "We have worked extensively on physical, technical, and tactical aspects in our training. We are focused on giving our best and showcasing the true potential of Indian volleyball to the world."
The 15-member squad comprises a diverse array of players, each bringing their unique strengths to the court. Muthuswamy Appavu will assume the mantle of captain, while Tamilvanan Srikanth and Ramanathan Ramamurthy will anchor the team as liberos. The attacking contingent includes Australian powerhouse Max Senica, alongside Amit Gulia, Azmath Ullah, Santosh Sahay, Anthony Raj, and Nandagopal Subramaniam.
The defensive backbone of the team will be spearheaded by Ashwal Rai, Shamimuddin Ammarambath, Srijan U Shetty, Parth Patel, and Manoj Manjunath, ensuring a formidable block against opponents' attacks. Captain Muthuswamy Appavu and Ukrapandian Mohan will provide the crucial setting duties, orchestrating the team's offensive plays. Angamuthu Ramaswamy will add versatility to the lineup, filling the role of an effective universal player.
Ahmedabad Defenders will face stiff competition in Pool A, where they will lock horns with defending champions Sir Siccom Perugia of Italy and Minas Tennis Club (Itambe Minas) of Brazil. Pool B features equally formidable opponents, with Halkbank Spor Kulubu from Turkey, Sada Cruzeiro Volei from Brazil, and Japanese club Suntory Sunbirds vying for supremacy.
The Ahmedabad Defenders will kick off their campaign against Minas Tennis Club (Itambe Minas) on December 6, eager to make a resounding statement on their international debut. The Men's Volleyball Club World Championship 2023 will be telecast live on Sony Sports Network in India and globally on Volleyball World, allowing fans worldwide to witness the electrifying action and cheer on the Ahmedabad Defenders as they embark on their historic journey.
