In their second Pool A encounter at the FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship 2023 in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad Defenders, the inaugural Indian entrants in the Men’s Volleyball Club World Championship, suffered a 3-0 defeat to Italy’s Sir Sicoma Perugia on Friday, concluding at the bottom of Pool A.
🔒 Double Block Treat in action!
— Ahmedabad Defenders (@Amd_Defenders) December 8, 2023
Featuring the formidable duo – Mountain Manoj and Angleman Angamuthu. #ClubWorldChamps #AhmedabadDefenders #TodiNakh @PrimeVolley @volleyballworld pic.twitter.com/gt9t05H4Tm
Against reigning champions Perugia, the Defenders displayed resilience but ultimately succumbed to a 25-18, 25-19, 25-11 loss. Perugia secured the top spot in the Pool with two victories, while Brazil’s Itambe Minas, who previously defeated Ahmedabad Defenders, secured the second spot with three points, earning a spot in the semi-finals.
Perugia is scheduled to face Turkey’s Halkbank Spor Kulubu, and Minas will compete against Japan’s Suntory Sunbirds on Saturday to vie for a place in the final.
Despite being considered underdogs, Ahmedabad Defenders, champions of the Prime Volleyball League, approached the pivotal match against Perugia with determination. Under the guidance of captain Appavu Muthusamy, the team focused on involving players like LM Manoj, Amit Balwan Singh, and Ramaswamy Angamuthu to penetrate Perugia’s defense with concise sets.
In the initial set, the home team managed to keep pace with their formidable opponents until the first 12 points. However, Perugia’s left-handed standout, Jesus Hererra, assumed control and contributed 16 points, aided by Oleh Plotnytskyi with nine points. The Italians were so confident in their victory that coach Angelo Lorenzetti substituted star setter Simone Giannelli in the first set, providing game time to setter Gregor Ropret.
For the Indian squad, Manoj led with seven points, while Angamuthu (6) and Amit (5) showcased commendable performances.
The FIVB Volleyball Club World Championship is slated to continue until December 10 at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru.
ALSO READ:
- Volleyball Live: 2023 DI Women’s Championship Updates
- Tennis is rising in popularity in Saudi Arabia
- Premier League Upset: West Ham rallies to beat Tottenham
