New Delhi, Dec 15 (IANS): Ranjit Singh on Friday emerged as top pick in the inaugural Pro Volleyball League (PVL) player auction and draft which saw six foreign players picked through a draft process while 117 Indian players went under the hammer.

Ahmedabad Defenders acquired the services of Ranjit for Rs 13 lakh, making him the costliest Indian player in the auction.

The attacker who has represented India with distinction was surprised and excited at the end of the day's proceedings.

"I am excited to see what's building up here. For all of us, this is a new chapter and hope we can live up to the expectations and faith shown in us by the team owners, federation and organisers here," Ranjit said

In the foreign player draft, the Black Hawks Hyderabad got Round 1 first pick and they chose Carson Clark. Paul Lotman was the second pick joining Calicut Heroes.

The third pick of the foreign draft was Rudy Verhoeff joining Chennai Spartans. Tomislav Coskovic, David Lee and Novica Bjelica were picked 4th, 5th and 6th by U Mumba Volley, Kochi Blue Spikers and Ahmedabad Defenders respectively.

Olympic Gold medalist Lee was drafted by Kochi Blue Spikers.

The Pro Volleyball League (PVL) scheduled to begin on February 2, 2019.

The Volleyball Federation of India Secretary General, Ramavtar Singh Jhakar said: "It is a known fact that well-organised leagues can give a sport much-needed shot in the arm. We expect Pro Volleyball League to do that to Volleyball. The player draft and auction is the beginning of the fillip that the sport needs."

The league will be played over a total of 18 matches with each team playing each other once in a round-robin format and the top four teams qualifying for the semi-finals.