Police eased past Power Development Board of Bangladesh in the first semifinal and Army dispatched Armed Police Force (APF) in another semifinal held on Wednesday at the Martyrs Memorial Ground, Bhaktapur.[break]
Police registered a straight set 25-18, 25-23, 25-17 win over the Bangladesh side. Sanjay Aryal of the winning side won the man-of-the-match award.
Similarly, Army had a fourth set win over APF as they lost the third set 23-25. Army took the first two sets 25-22, 25-16 and fourth 25-14. Army lifter Kumar Ranamagar was adjudged the man-of-the-match.
APF coach Kapil Shrestha commented that his side lost due to low confidence despite sound performance.
Police to avenge defeat
The final to be held on Thursday will be a rematch of previous edition final and police are in the mood to avenge the defeat faced in the previous edition. Army too, are all set to continue with their dominance in this edition as well.
Police have not forgotten the defeat suffered in the previous edition from their arch rivals. On the occasion, Army had a hard fought five sets win over the Police.
Army coach Keshavlal Shrestha believes that his side can defend the title if they continue with their pace of attack. “Though there were weaknesses, we were strong in the attacking department and we will easily take the title if the boys continue with the pace," Shrestha said.
Police coach Sudesh Rimal is also confident that his side would win the title. The strongest weapon for victory in Police team as claimed by Rimal was the presence of strong spikers and blockers.
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