LAHORE: Defending champions Wapda edged out Army 3-2 in an action-packed final of the NDURE National Volleyball Championship at the Nishtar Park Sports Complex here on Sunday night.

Wapda won the final 22-25, 25-20, 25-22, 21-25, 15-13. It was the department’s fifth consecutive national title victory. Earlier, Pakistan Air Force defeated Navy in another well-fought contest 25-19, 35-33, 20-25, 25-14 to clinch third position.

Army’s Haider, with his vigorous smashes and serves, was the star man for the eventual losers but gave them a winning start in the first set The game also saw impressive performances by Aqeel and Fakhar who helped Army gain the initial lead.

Wapda, however, looked a different outfit in the second set and came back with a more aggressive approach. They effectively checked Haider and almost neutralised his influence and eventually frustrated him to harness more points.

The eventual champions stuck to their winning formula and kept Haider under immense pressure in the third set too. The strategy once again helped them to win the set. Points kept on tilting either side of the scoreboard in the fourth game. Army 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 to be on even keel 2-2.

The fifth and decisive game was fought with full vigor from both sides. It was a contest between Fakhar 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 that stage a blunder from Army’s libero decided the final in Wapda’s favour.

Governor Punjab Ch. Mohammad Sarwar gave away the winning trophy to Wapda and also announced a cash prize of Rs200,000 for them and Rs100,000 for the runners-up. Pakistan Air Force were awarded Rs50,000 for finishing third.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2019