APF lifts Dhorpatan Men’s Volleyball title

Published On: September 23, 2018 08:00 AM NPT

Members of Armed Police Force Club pose with the trophy after winning the fifth Dhorpatan National Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament at the Dhorpatan Sports Center Court in Gongabu, Kathmandu on Saturday. | Photo: Suman Chapagain/ Republica

KATHMANDU, Sept 23: Departmental team Armed Police Force Club has lifted the fifth Dhorpatan National Open Men’s Volleyball Tournament defeating Gandaki Province in the final match played at Dhorpatan Sports Center Court at Gongabu, Kathmandu on Saturday.

Armed Police won the duel in straight sets of 25-19, 25-16, 25-17. “We played to our strengths concentrating in the spike and block. We were able to execute our plans,” said Gyanendra Bista, the head coach of Armed Police.

Similarly, the captain of the winning side Mahesh Shrestha merited the experienced game of his for the trophy. “Comparatively we had more experienced players which helped for cause,” said Shrestha after the match.

The winning team was rewarded with the cash prize of Rs 100,000 whereas the runner-up took Rs 60,000 home.

Earlier, on the day, Geetanjali College defeated Dhorpatan Sports Club 3-0 to claim its third place in the third-place playoff. Geetanjali won the first set 30-28, and also marked its domination by winning the last two sets 30-28, 25-15.

With the win, Geetanjali was rewarded with Rs 35,000.

A total of 16 teams took part in the tournament. The teams were divided into four groups and the tournament was played in a league cum knockout format. Top two teams of each group advanced into the quarterfinals.

APF also dominated the individual awards of the tournament. APF’s Dinesh Giri was named the best setter, while Tek Raj Awasthi of the same team was adjudged the best spiker. Likewise, APF’s Baliram Chaudhary was named the best kicker, while APF captain Mahendra Shrestha won the best player of the tournament.

Meanwhile, Geetanjali’s Daulat Singh won the best server award, while Gandaki’s Rajan Dalarmi got the best defense and Hari Pandey was chosen the best blocker.

All the best players of the categories received Rs 5,000 each, while Shrestha got a motorcycle.