Help Nepal launch title defence with win

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Apr. 24: Defending champions Help Nepal Sports Club and Tribhuvan Army Club got off to a flying start in the men’s draw of the 10th PM Cup NVA Women’s and Men’s Volleyball League 2083. Nepal Police Club and APF Club also opened with victories in the women’s competition.

The league served off on Thursday at the Dasarath Rangasala Covered Hall in Tripureshwor.

Defending champions Help Nepal swept Budhanilkantha Volleyball Club in straight sets, cruising to 25–13, 25–17, 25–18.

Similarly, Army staged a comeback win over Lumbini’s Khilji Club. Khilji took the opener 25–18, but then lost momentum as Army regrouped and dominated the next three sets. Army levelled the match 25–20, edged the third 25–21, and sealed the contest 25–20 in the fourth.

In the women’s section, Police outplayed Everest Volleyball Club of Butwal in straight sets, taking the match 26–24, 25–16, 25–17.

APF also impressed, defeating Tribhuvan Army Club 3–1. APF clinched the opening set 25–23, dropped the second 17–25, but bounced back to close out the match 25–19, 25–19.

A total of 14 teams are competing in the league, which runs until 19 April, with eight men’s sides and six women’s sides in contention.

Help Nepal, Tribhuvan Army, Nepal Police, APF, Khilji Yuwa Club (Lumbini), Paschim Rukum, Koshi Province and Budhanilkantha Club are battling in the men’s category. New Diamond, Nepal Police, APF, Sudurpaschim, Everest Club and Tribhuvan Army Club are contesting in the women’s category.

The Rs. 11.5 million league will award Rs. 1 million to the champions, Rs. 500,000 to the runners-up, and Rs. 250,000 to the third-place team. Individual accolades include Rs. 60,000 for the Most Valuable Player, and Rs. 30,000 each for the best server, blocker, libero, spiker, setter and coach.