Punjab AeroStrikers Beat Ayodhya Garjan 2-1; Tamil Titans Qualify for VCL Super 6

Punjab AeroStrikers staged a strong comeback to defeat Ayodhya Garjan 2-1, while Tamil Titans secured their place in the Super 6 of the Volleyball Champions League (VCL) with an identical victory over Hooghly Hitters at the Noida Indoor Stadium.

Punjab AeroStrikers opened their match on a positive note, edging out Ayodhya Garjan 21-18 in a closely contested first set. Ayodhya responded strongly in the second, raising their level of play to claim the set 21-16 and draw level at 1-1.

With the match on the line, Punjab took control in the decider, displaying improved coordination and keeping the pressure on their opponents. The AeroStrikers dominated the third set 21-11 to seal an impressive 2-1 victory.

Sanket Patil was named Player of the Match for his contribution to the win, while teammate Jaskaran Singh received the Impact Player award.

Reflecting on the victory, Patil said Ayodhya had played well to level the contest, but Punjab regrouped and executed its plans more effectively in the deciding set. He praised the team’s coordination, focus and confidence, adding that the side would look to carry the momentum into its upcoming matches.

The match was attended by Pandit Sunil Bharala, former Minister of State in the Uttar Pradesh government and former chairman of the state’s Labour Welfare Council, and Harshita Tomar, an Indian sailor and Asian Games bronze medallist in 2018 and 2026, as stated in the event information.

In the other match, Tamil Titans defeated Hooghly Hitters 2-1 to confirm their Super 6 qualification after winning the first two sets.

The Titans narrowly took the opening set 21-19 before surviving a tense second-set battle. With the score tied at 20-20, they won the crucial point to clinch the set 21-20 and move within one set of victory.

Hooghly Hitters fought back in the third set, finding their rhythm to register a convincing 21-10 win. However, the Titans had already secured the first two sets to seal the match and book their place in the Super 6.

Abhishek was named Player of the Match for Tamil Titans, while teammate SR Rithuraj received the Impact Player award.

Abhishek said the team was pleased to secure both the victory and qualification, acknowledging the pressure of the second set and Hooghly’s response in the third. He added that the Titans would now focus on preparing for the Super 6 stage.