PVL: Black Hawks raring to soar

The Hyderabad team backs itself to go the distance.

“The PVL should have started long back along with kabaddi and badminton. I have seen many who thought of quitting the sport but are now continuing to play because of the PVL," Black Hawks Hyderabad coach Bir Singh Yadav said.

Black Hawks Hyderabad is ready to strike! Led by World championship gold medallist Carson Clark of USA, it will be eyeing to make a mark in the inaugural edition of the six-team Pro Volleyball League starting from February 2 in Kochi and Chennai.

The head coach Bir Singh Yadav, who was also the coach of the Indian team in the last Asiad, is overseeing the preparations at the Kotla Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy Indoor Stadium here and is confident of his “young and talented team” pulling off a major surprise in the upcoming tournament.

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“This League is good for the players and also for Indian volleyball itself. Playing with foreign players should make a world of difference to the way our players train and get ready for international events,” Bir Singh told Sportstar on Monday.

“We are a very good, young team. The two foreigners — Carson Clark and Alex Bader of Canada — should make a positive impact on their teammates by the sheer weight of their experience and skills.

“Every member is excited, enthusiastic and determined to give their best and in the process be part of Indian volleyball squads for a long time. I think that is the biggest motivational factor of this PVL,” felt the coach.

Bir Singh says the emphasis in the one-week camp has been on the first-pass as the team has a very good attack. “We have the best all-round player in Carson and central blocker Ashwal Rai can raise the bar under pressure. No doubt, we look for a team effort for better results,” the Hawks coach said.

“The PVL should have started long back along with kabaddi and badminton. I have seen many who thought of quitting the sport but are now continuing to play because of the PVL. This should clearly encourage participation and take the sport to a new level,” the coach said.

“Our first target is to avoid mistakes and keep improving with each game. We have the talent and the complete support of the owners to make it to the final in the first edition. This is a fearless team and capable of going the distance,” he added.