NPC, Western advance

Pokhara, February 7

Nepal Police Club and Western Regional Volleyball Association advanced to the men’s section semi-finals of the Shreejana International Volleyball Tournament here at the Pokhara Stadium today.

NPC and Western made it to the last four as Group A winners and runners-up respectively after Uttar Pradesh Volleyball Association of India pulled out from the tournament at the last moment citing technical reasons in the men’s event. Earlier, NPC had defeated Western in their first match of the group.

Meanwhile, Tribhuvan Army Club topped Group B with four points despite losing to Help Nepal Sports Club. TAC faced a 22-25, 25-15, 25-27, 25-13 defeat but earned a point after the match reached the final set. APF, who had defeated Help Nepal 3-0 in their previous match, finished as group B runners-up with three points, while Help Nepal were eliminated from the competition. TAC will now face Western Region, while NPC play against departmental rivals APF in semi-finals.

In women’s category, New Diamond Academy defeated Uttar Pradesh Volleyball Association 25-6, 25-6, 25-10 and secured a place in the last four as Group B winners. NDA will now face Group A runners-up Western, who saw off Tribhuvan Army Club 25-16, 25-16, 25-16. In another semi-final match, Group A winners APF will play against Group B runners-up NPC.