Kushma, March 12

New Diamond Academy won the title of the first Didibahini Cup Women’s Volleyball Tournament here today.

New Diamond came from a set down to defeat Nepal APF Club 3-1 in the final match to win their fourth title of the season. The victory was third for New Diamond against APF in final this season, while they had beaten Nepal Police Club in on one occasion. The departmental side took the first set 25-21 before New Diamond won three straight sets to complete the victory. New Diamond claimed second set 25-22 to level the scores before winning the next two sets with identical scores of 25-20. New Diamond received Rs 100,000, while APF earned Rs 60,000 along with trophies.

New Diamond skipper Lalita Nath said her side won the match comfortably because of the team spirit. APF captain Binita Budhathoki said her team lacked the services of a key member and that made a huge difference in the team set-up.

In the third-place playoff match, Nepal Police Club beat Tribhuvan Army Club 25-17, 26-24, 25-19. NPC received Rs 30,000. Pratibha Mali of New Diamond was named the best player of the tournament and she earned Rs 5,000.

New Diamond skipper Nath was declared the best quicker and Kumar Rai won the best coach’s award. APF duo Saraswoti Chaudhary and Reshma Bhandari were adjudged the best spiker and server respectively. NPC’s Kopila Uprety and Kamala Pun won the awards for the best blocker and defender respectively, while TAC’s Janaki Bhandari was named the best lifter. All the best individuals received Rs 3,000 each.

Member of Parliament and President of Radio Didibahini Kalpana Chapagain, Nepal Tarun Dal Member Bidhwan Gurung, Nepal Volleyball Association Vice-president Yam Bahadur Gurung, Western Regional Volleyball Association Treasurer Hari Bahadur Shrestha among others handed over the prizes to the winners.