NPC had suffered defeats against APF in three consecutive finals, including the Sixth National Games and the First NVA Cup, in the past one year. Avenging the defeats, NPC clinched the title of eighth Workers Cup on Monday with a 25-15, 15-25, 21-25, 25-14, 18-16 victory over APF.[break]
NPC coach Sudesh Rimal said that his side appeared a bit weaker in the previous tournaments as some of his regular players were busy in departmental trainings. "As players like Naresh Shahi, Chandra Kunwar and Kul Bahadur Thapa returned to the team, our team has gained full strength again," said Rimal, who was adjudged the best coach of the tournament.
NPC received Rs 50,000 along with the winner´s trophy while APF bagged Rs 30,000. Nepal Army finished third and received Rs 20,000 while another semifinalist Jawalakhel Volleyball Training Center got Rs 10,000.
Former lawmaker Narayanman Bijukchhe and Nepal Volleyball Association General Secretary Jitendra Bahadur Chand gave away the prizes to the winners.
APF coach Kishor Shrestha said that his players could not perform as per expectations. He, however, praised opponent players Im Rana and Sanjay Aryal for their brilliant performances.
"We were able to avenge the defeats against APF in the finals due to our team spirit," said NPC captain Rana.
Aryal was adjudged the most valuable player of the tournament and Rana was adjudged the best setter while his teammate Kul Bahadur Thapa received the award for the best spiker. Dipendra Bhatta (APF), Kailash Bhatta (APF) and Birendra Chaudhary (NPC) got the awards for the best blocker, best server and best defender respectively.
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