ISLAMABAD, April 4: After a thrilling final on Saturday, India once again proved that they are undoubtedly the South Asian Volleyball Champions when they beat Pakistan 3-2 in the 9th SAF Games.

Pakistan which has twice won the coveted gold in 1989 and 1993 SAF Games, could not clinch the title from the Indians who effectively defended it thanks mainly to their blockers - 6 feet 10 inches Subba Rao and 6 feet 8 inches Tom Joseph.

After their semifinal wins, the coaches of both the teams claimed that they will win the final but the Indian sounded far more confident when he said: "Volleyball gold is meant for India."

History proved to be on their side. India clinched all but two volleyball golds during the previous editions of the SAF Games: 1987 Calcutta, 1991 Colombo 1995 Madras and 1999 Katmandu.

The Indians took full advantage of their height as they effectively blocked and smashed the ball to gain valuable points at crucial moments in the game, in front of nearly 8,000 crowd.

After losing the opening set 18-25, Pakistan made a spirited come back into the game winning the second set 25-23 and the third 25-23. But the superior Indian technique and blocking saw Pakistan lose the 4th and 5th set 18-25 and 10-15, putting an end to Pakistan's dreams of ending India's supremacy in the game. -APP