Haryana Hurricanes in VCL semis: Owner Naveen Rathi eyes title
Synopsis
Haryana Hurricanes owner Naveen Rathi isn't settling for a semifinal — he wants the VCL trophy. Citing a deliberate mix of veteran nous and youthful energy, and a coach-like instruction to 'play your natural game,' Rathi believes the team that embodies Haryana's storm spirit is now ready to finish the job.
Key Takeaways
Haryana Hurricanes have reached the semifinals of the Volleyball Champions League (VCL) .
Owner Naveen Rathi has stated his target is to win the VCL trophy .
Rathi attributed the team's success to a deliberate combination of senior players and young talent .
His pre-tournament message to players was to focus on their natural game rather than the result.
The team's name, Haryana Hurricanes , was chosen to reflect Haryana's identity and the energy of a storm (toofan).
Haryana Hurricanes owner Naveen Rathi has expressed firm confidence that his franchise can go all the way and lift the Volleyball Champions League (VCL) trophy, following the team's progression to the semifinals of the tournament. Rathi credited the squad's balanced composition and collective focus as the primary drivers behind their run.
The Story Behind the Name
Rathi, who hails from Haryana, said the team's identity was always rooted in the state's spirit. 'I belong to Haryana, and that is why we chose the name Haryana Hurricanes. The idea was to reflect the spirit of a toofan (storm), and I knew that whenever players from Haryana come together, they would bring that energy with them,' he said.
Building the Squad: Experience Meets Youth
The franchise owner revealed that his squad-building strategy was deliberate — pairing seasoned campaigners with emerging talent. 'I had been observing the team from the beginning. I wanted some senior players to be part of the squad alongside young talent. It turned out to be a perfect combination, and by God's grace, you can see the results,' Rathi said. He described the blend as central to the team's consistency through the tournament's group stage and Super 6 rounds.
The Message to Players
Rathi also disclosed the motivational framework he shared with the squad before the tournament kicked off and again before the Super 6 stage. Rather than burdening players with outcome pressure, he urged them to focus on expressing themselves on court. 'I told the team to play their natural game. They should not worry about winning or losing or think too much about the result. They have the ability and just need to trust themselves, focus on their job and express themselves on the court,' he said.
Title Ambition Clear
With a semifinal berth secured, Rathi made no secret of where his ambitions lie. 'My expectation is that we will win the trophy,' he said. The Haryana Hurricanes' run in the VCL has been one of the tournament's more notable stories, with the franchise drawing on Haryana's well-documented volleyball talent pool. The state has historically produced a disproportionate share of India's top volleyball players, giving the franchise a regional identity that extends beyond branding. Whether Rathi's side can convert their semifinal appearance into a title remains to be seen when the knockout rounds unfold.
Point of View
But the real story here is structural: Haryana's volleyball talent pipeline is deep enough that a franchise anchored in the state can credibly target national titles. The VCL format, by giving franchise owners a visible platform, is doing something Indian volleyball has long needed — attaching invested stakeholders to the sport's growth. Whether the Hurricanes win or not, the model of pairing experienced players with youth under a results-free mindset is one other franchises would do well to study.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns the Haryana Hurricanes VCL team?
The Haryana Hurricanes are owned by Naveen Rathi, who is from Haryana. He named the franchise to reflect the spirit and energy associated with the state's players.
How far have the Haryana Hurricanes progressed in the VCL?
The Haryana Hurricanes have reached the semifinals of the Volleyball Champions League (VCL). Owner Naveen Rathi has expressed confidence they can go on to win the title.
What is the Volleyball Champions League (VCL)?
The Volleyball Champions League (VCL) is a franchise-based volleyball tournament in India designed to promote the sport at a competitive club level. It features teams from across the country competing through group, Super 6, and knockout stages.
What was Naveen Rathi's message to the Haryana Hurricanes squad?
Rathi told his players to focus on their natural game and not worry about results. He emphasised trusting their abilities and expressing themselves on court, a philosophy he shared before the tournament and again ahead of the Super 6 stage.
Why were experienced players important to Haryana Hurricanes' strategy?
Rathi deliberately mixed senior, experienced players with younger talent to create a balanced squad. He described the combination as a key factor behind the team's successful run to the semifinals.
