Daily Times

Defending champions Pakistan WAPDA defeated Pakistan Army in the final 3-2 to retain the title of the National Volleyball Championship which concluded at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex here on Monday. WAPDA won the final 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 21-25, 15-13. It was Wapda’s fifth consecutive national title victory. Pakistan Air Force (PAF) beat Pakistan Navy 25-19, 35-33, 20-25, 25-14 to claim third position in the championship.

Army won the first game through brilliant performance of their star Haider who served hard and smashed vigorously to humble WAPDA. His outstanding performance also inspired Aqeel and Fakhar who also shared their responsibility efficiently gaining points for their team. Army’s defenders blocked trio of WAPDA comprising Murad Jehan, Mohib Rasool and Amil Khan and kept a reasonable lead. Both teams were engaged in an interesting encounter. From WAPDA, Amil would gain a point while Haider and Fakhar would respond ferociously. WAPDA made a couple of mistakes to lose the first game. WAPDA looked a different outfit in the second game which they fought with an aggressive strategy. They effectively checked Haider who looked an onlooker in the court. WAPDA’s strategy frustrated Haider who when got any opportunity in the game smashed wildly out of sheer frustration. He served poor and his boosting was also faulty. Zameer and Fakhar took charge of the game but it was late as WAPDA maintained reasonable lead.

WAPDA continued their check on Haider in the third game and took a comfortable lead in the beginning. Zameer and Fakhar checked and reduced the lead but experience of Mohib and Amil dashed their hopes to win the game. Points kept on tilting either side of the scoreboard in the fourth game. Army men continued to repeat their wrong serves and wild smashes. Amil and Murad exerted pressure but Fakhar’s compelling smashes guided Army to take a comfortable lead at 19-15. Zameer and Fakhar defended diligently and frustrated WAPDA’s efforts to win the fourth game.

The fifth and decisive game was fought with full vigour from both sides. It was a contest between Fakhar (Army) and Munir Khan (WAPDA). Both smashed ferociously to gain points for their teams. Mohib and Murad defended well. Usman of Army got two points and Haider also succeeded to get a point and take the score at 13-14. At this stage a blunder from Army decided the final in WAPDA’s favour.

At close Governor Punjab Ch Muhammad Sarwar gave away the winning trophy to WAPDA. He also announced Rs.200,000 for the winners, Rs.100,000 for the runners0up and Rs.50,000 for the PAF for getting third position in the championship.