The hosts face 3-2 loss against Kazakhstan; India hammer Uzbekistan
KATHMANDU, MAY 26
Nepal faced a 3-2 defeat at the hands Kazakhstan in the semi-finals of the NSC-CAVA Women's Challenge Cup here at the National Sports Council covered hall today.
Nepal, who were eyeing a hat-trick of gold medals after winning the two straight title of the Central Zone Volleyball Championship, put up a tough fight against Asia's sixthranked Kazakhstan but the youthful side faced a defeat in the last four clash.
The home team faced a 28- 30 defeat in the first set before bouncing back strongly. Nepal levelled the scores at 1-1 by winning the second set 25-16, while the hosts recorded a 25- 15 victory in the third set to take a 2-1 lead. Kazakhstan hit back in the fourth set as Nepali players lost momentum and the visitors registered a 25-18 win sending the match to fifth and final set.
Nepali players seemed tired in the fourth set and it continued in the final set as well. The home team could not find answers to Kazakhstan's attack and faced a 15-7 loss in the final set.
Kazakhstan will face India in the final match on Sunday. India outplayed Uzbekistan in straight sets - recording a 25- 17, 25-20, 25-15 victory - to make it to the final.
Nepal faced two defeats in the tournament, one each against Kazakhstan and India.
The two teams had not participated in the tournament when Nepal won Central Zone titles.
Nepal will now play against Uzbekistan in the third-place playoff match on Sunday.
A total of eight teams are competing in the league-cumknockout tournament which is being hosted in Nepal for the first time.
The championship, sponsored by National Sports Council, is also supported by Rastriya Banijya Bank, Kelme Nepal, Nepal Tourism Board, Hyatt Palace, Nepal Telecom, Hamro Khelkud, Frontline Hospital, 100 Sports, School Volleyball Commission, Dhorpatan Sports Club, New Diamond Sports Club, Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Lalitpur Metropolitan City and Nepal Airlines.
A version of this article appears in the print on May 27, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.
