Bengaluru, Sep 27 (NationPress) At just 22, Joel Benjamin is quickly emerging as one of the most promising young talents in the Prime Volleyball League.

The outside hitter from Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, represents a new breed of players carving their niche in the sport. After a standout performance in season 3 with the Chennai Blitz, Joel was acquired by the Bengaluru Torpedoes for Rs 6.5 lakh during this year's auction, highlighting his escalating stature in volleyball.

Reflecting on his journey, Joel shared, “I started playing at the age of 10, influenced by my father and encouraged by my older brother, who is also a PVL player. Every moment has been dedicated to self-improvement and embracing challenges. The league has presented me with a platform to compete against the best.”

Joel made a remarkable entrance in Season 3, amassing 55 points over 8 matches, which included 52 attack points, 2 blocks, and 1 ace. His remarkable consistency and attacking prowess captured attention, leading to his transfer to the Torpedoes. Now training under Olympic gold medallist David Lee, Joel feels he has the perfect environment for further growth.

“Training with a legend like David Lee has been an extraordinary experience. The intensity, attention to detail, and high-level practices he introduces have added new layers to my game. For a young player like me, this is the ideal setting for development. I’m truly excited for this season. Training with the Bengaluru Torpedoes has been challenging and inspiring; I'm feeling more prepared than ever. My goal is to contribute to the team's success, leveraging what I’ve learned during practice and making a significant impact on the court,” he explained.

Joel’s swift ascent mirrors the broader development of volleyball in India. The RR Kabel Prime Volleyball League has opened up remarkable opportunities for young athletes, with a professional framework and financial incentives elevating the sport's visibility.

“The league has genuinely elevated Indian volleyball to a new height. For young players like us, it’s no longer solely about competing at the university or state level. We now have access to international players, professional structures, and serious competition. This shift has been transformative,” Joel added.

Having already secured a gold medal with Madras University at the All India Inter-University Championship earlier this year and a bronze medal with Tamil Nadu at the National Games in Uttarakhand, Joel has proven he can perform under pressure. His aspirations are clear: “My dream is to represent India at the highest level. Each day, I focus on enhancing my skills, learning, and aiming to aid my team. The backing from my family and the opportunities presented by the league keep me driven,” he concluded.