Volleyball Champions League Day 2: Ayodhya Garjan edge Garvi Gujjus 2-1; Bengaluru Smashers sweep Hooghly Hitters 3-0
Synopsis
Day 2 of the Volleyball Champions League at Noida Indoor Stadium delivered contrasting results: Ayodhya Garjan scraped through 2-1 in a nervy decider, while Namma Bengaluru Smashers turned on the style with a 3-0 sweep of Hooghly Hitters — gifting coach Mandeep Singh a perfect birthday present. The early standings are beginning to take shape in India's emerging professional volleyball circuit.
Key Takeaways
Ayodhya Garjan defeated Garvi Gujjus 2-1 , winning the deciding set 21-16 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on 8 October 2026 .
Namma Bengaluru Smashers swept Hooghly Hitters 3-0 (21-13, 21-16, 21-16) in the day's second fixture.
Rajnees Singh (Garvi Gujjus) won Player of the Match ; Preet Karan (Ayodhya Garjan) took the Impact Player award in Match 1.
Mannat Chowdary won Player of the Match and Sameer Chaudhary the Impact Player award in the Bengaluru-Hooghly fixture.
The Volleyball Champions League features 10 city-based franchises and is organised by Adi Yogi Sports Pvt.
Ayodhya Garjan held their nerve in a tense deciding set to defeat Garvi Gujjus 2-1, while Namma Bengaluru Smashers produced a commanding 3-0 sweep over Hooghly Hitters on Day 2 of the Volleyball Champions League (VCL) at the Noida Indoor Stadium on Tuesday, 8 October 2026. Both results reinforced the competitive intensity of the league in its early stages.
Ayodhya Garjan Grind Out a Hard-Fought Win
The opening fixture of the day was a closely contested battle between Ayodhya Garjan and Garvi Gujjus, ultimately requiring a third and deciding set. The final set remained tight throughout, but Ayodhya Garjan kept their composure in the closing stages to seal the set 21-16 and the match 2-1.
Despite finishing on the losing side, Garvi Gujjus' Rajnees Singh was honoured with the Player of the Match award for his performance. Preet Karan of Ayodhya Garjan took home the Impact Player award, recognising his contribution in guiding his team over the line.
Bengaluru Smashers Mark Coach's Birthday with Dominant Display
In the day's second contest, Namma Bengaluru Smashers were in imperious form, needing just three sets to dispatch Hooghly Hitters — a victory that also doubled as a birthday celebration for coach Mandeep Singh.
The Smashers seized control early, claiming the opening set 21-13, before following up with back-to-back 21-16 wins in the second and third sets. Hooghly Hitters were unable to disrupt Bengaluru's rhythm at any stage.
Mannat Chowdary was adjudged Player of the Match, while Sameer Chaudhary claimed the Impact Player award. The contest was also attended by Param Pujya Swami Kailashanand Ji Giri Maharaj, who blessed the players and organisers.
About the Volleyball Champions League
The Volleyball Champions League is a professional franchise-based competition involving 10 city-based teams, designed to elevate the sport in India by bridging talent, teams, and fans through top-tier competition. The league is organised by Adi Yogi Sports Pvt. Ltd. and was formally launched with a grand ceremony marking what organisers have described as a new era for professional volleyball in the country.
With two days of action now complete, teams will be eager to establish momentum ahead of the coming rounds of fixtures.
Point of View
And a clinical 3-0 that demonstrated why Namma Bengaluru Smashers could be contenders. India's professional volleyball ecosystem remains nascent — the VCL's 10-franchise model is an ambitious structural bet — and early crowd and broadcast traction will determine whether this league follows the IPL-inspired success path or fades like earlier domestic franchise experiments. The presence of a spiritual figure blessing players at a competitive sports fixture is a distinctly Indian touch, but the real blessing the league needs is sustained viewership beyond the opening rounds.
NationPress
8 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the Day 2 results at the Volleyball Champions League?
On Day 2 at the Noida Indoor Stadium on 8 October 2026, Ayodhya Garjan defeated Garvi Gujjus 2-1 in a deciding set, and Namma Bengaluru Smashers beat Hooghly Hitters 3-0 with set scores of 21-13, 21-16, and 21-16.
Who won the Player of the Match awards on Day 2 of the VCL?
Rajnees Singh of Garvi Gujjus was named Player of the Match in the first fixture, while Mannat Chowdary claimed the same honour in the Bengaluru vs Hooghly game. Impact Player awards went to Preet Karan and Sameer Chaudhary respectively.
What is the Volleyball Champions League?
The Volleyball Champions League (VCL) is a professional franchise-based volleyball competition in India featuring 10 city-based teams, organised by Adi Yogi Sports Pvt. Ltd. It was launched with the aim of growing professional volleyball in India by connecting talent, teams, and fans.
Where is the Volleyball Champions League being held?
The Volleyball Champions League matches are being played at the Noida Indoor Stadium in Noida, Uttar Pradesh. Day 2 fixtures were held on Tuesday, 8 October 2026.
Who is coach Mandeep Singh and why was Day 2 special for him?
Mandeep Singh is the coach of Namma Bengaluru Smashers. Day 2 of the VCL coincided with his birthday, and his team celebrated by delivering a dominant 3-0 victory over Hooghly Hitters.
