The festive spirit of Dussehra spilled into the Gachibowli Indoor Stadium as hosts Hyderabad Black Hawks opened the fourth season of the RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League PVL 2025 powered by Scapia with a thrilling victory over defending champions Calicut Heroes.
Backed by a passionate home crowd and the presence of co-owner and film superstar Vijay Deverakonda, the Black Hawks soared to a straight-sets win, edging out the Heroes 15-12, 18-16, 18-16 in a contest filled with momentum swings, power serves, and clutch plays.
Brazilian star Paulo Lamounier, whose composure and all-round discipline proved vital, was named the Player of the Match.
The evening began with Calicut looking every bit the defending champions. Their towering middle blocker Vikas Maan shut out Hyderabad’s early attacking attempts, creating frustration for the hosts. Coach Sunny Joseph’s bold call to start Rajasthan attacker Ashok Bishnoi also paid immediate dividends. Bishnoi’s aggressive intent gave Calicut an edge, as his smashes and service pressure rattled Hyderabad in the opening exchanges.
The Heroes took control through sharp defensive organisation, forcing the Black Hawks to dig deep early. Yet, Calicut’s promising start did not last long, as errors on their first touch began to creep in, allowing Hyderabad an opening.
Sahil Kumar and the Hawks’ Counter-Attack
Hyderabad’s fightback was sparked by Sahil Kumar, whose sharp attacks and court awareness tilted the balance. Sahil’s timely points, coupled with Paulo Lamounier’s stabilising influence, ensured that the Hawks clawed back momentum.
With the first set tied at tense moments, it was the Hawks who showed greater composure under pressure. They seized the initiative, capitalising on Calicut’s misfired receptions to take the set 15-12, sending the home fans into a roar of approval.
Super Points and Shifting Momentum
The second set proved to be the highlight of the night a rollercoaster filled with drama. Calicut introduced Shameem, whose presence steadied their play. Bishnoi, continuing his inspired performance, won a crucial super point that reignited the Heroes’ charge.
But Hyderabad responded swiftly. Brazilian attacker Vitor Yudi Yamamoto unleashed a series of cross-court spikes that repeatedly found gaps in Calicut’s defence. Alongside Paulo’s discipline, Vitor’s aggression ensured Hyderabad never lost touch.
As the set reached a knife-edge finish, Bishnoi’s back-to-back super serves electrified the Calicut supporters, dubbed the “Red Army,” who made their voices heard inside the arena. Suddenly, the momentum shifted, and it seemed the champions were poised to level the match.
Yet Hyderabad had answers. Niyas, combining with 2023 MVP Guru Prashanth, kept pressing on the flanks. Their clever placements and unrelenting attacks forced Calicut into uncharacteristic errors. Hyderabad edged out the second set 18-16, sending the stadium into a frenzy.
Down by two sets, Calicut had to dig deep. They attempted to build rhythm through their super serves, pulling level at key stages. Their persistence paid off as they secured two crucial points, threatening to force the match into a decider.
But Hyderabad, feeding off the crowd’s energy and the calming presence of Paulo, did not falter. The hosts called for their own super serve, a high-risk, high-reward moment, and Niyas delivered in style. His precise strike pierced Calicut’s defensive formation, giving Hyderabad the winning edge.
The Hawks sealed the third set 18-16, completing a memorable sweep against the reigning champions.
Paulo Lamounier: The Difference-Maker
While Hyderabad’s victory was a collective triumph, it was Paulo Lamounier’s influence that stood out. The Brazilian not only anchored the Hawks’ structure but also brought calm in critical moments. His steady contributions across blocking, setting, and leadership earned him the Player of the Match award.
“Playing in front of such an incredible crowd was special,” Paulo said after the match. “The energy of the fans and the team’s fighting spirit carried us through. To start the season like this, on a festive day like Dussehra, makes it even more memorable.”
Vijay Deverakonda’s Presence Lifts the Crowd
Adding to the spectacle was the presence of Vijay Deverakonda, the celebrated actor and co-owner of the Hyderabad Black Hawks. Deverakonda’s enthusiastic support from the sidelines electrified the atmosphere, with fans frequently chanting his name alongside that of the team.
“The Black Hawks represent Hyderabad’s spirit fearless, passionate, and never giving up,” Deverakonda said post-match. “Tonight, the boys showed exactly that, and I couldn’t be prouder. This league is about giving our athletes the platform they deserve, and wins like this will inspire more youngsters to take up volleyball.”
A Perfect Festival Opener
The blend of sport, entertainment, and festival fervor made the night unforgettable. With the triumph, Hyderabad not only began their campaign on a winning note but also served notice of their ambitions for the season. Defeating the defending champions in straight sets was no small feat, and it has immediately thrown the title race wide open.
For Calicut Heroes, the defeat will be a reminder of the fine margins in the PVL. Despite their attacking depth and Bishnoi’s brilliance, lapses in reception and defensive transitions proved costly. Coach Sunny Joseph will undoubtedly look to address these issues before their next outing.
The Prime Volleyball League 2025 could not have asked for a more dramatic start. The Hyderabad Black Hawks’ victory over the Calicut Heroes was not just a win on the scoreboard but also a statement of intent. With passionate fans, the star power of Vijay Deverakonda, and the discipline of Paulo Lamounier, Hyderabad announced themselves as serious contenders.
As the season unfolds, this thrilling opener will be remembered as one of the defining nights of PVL 2025 a festive evening where sport, culture, and celebration came together, and where the hosts gave their fans a Dussehra gift to cherish.
