Departmental team Nepal Police Club clinched the National Women’s Volleyball tournament title defeating New Diamond Academy in the final in Pokhara on Monday.

Nepal Police dominated the New Diamond in three straight sets to complete 25-16, 25-14 and 25-20 victory. New Diamond was outclassed in the first two sets by the department team. Their performance improved in the third set but despite a good support from the locals, could not get back into the game.

Former national women volleyball player Sipora Gurung, who recently made a comeback to the game after signing for New Diamonds, could not inspire her team in the final. New Diamond’s coach Kumar Rai said Sipora’s inclusion in the last hour for the tournament meant she could not coordinate well with the team. “Her knee injury and return to the game after a long gap meant she could not perform to her standards. She needs more training to get back into form,” said Rai. Rai said a change in her playing position also hindered her performance. “She previously played as a spiker. But she played as an allrounder and looked rather confused to her role in the game,” Rai added.

Nepal Police coach Rupesh Bista said his players performed as expected which ensured them the victory. He, however, said there were still some aspects they could improve on their game. “Had the performance of quick-spiker been better, we would have won the game with more ease,” he said. This was the second time the departmental giants have won the title in Lamachaur. Nepal Police had defeated finalists New Diamond during group stages in five sets. They had also defeated Chitwan Tigers and finished as group winners. Their progress to the final was ensured after getting past Shree Ram Sports Development Committee Dang in the semi-finals.

After losing to Nepal Police, New Diamond club had defeated Chitwan Tigers and made it to the semi-finals as the group runners-up. They defeated Gandaki Province in straight sets in the semi-finals to set the title clash with Nepal Police. The champions won Rs 100,155 and runners-up New Diamond won Rs 65,500. Gandaki Province defeated Shree Ram Sports Development Committee Dang in straight sets in third place playoff and won Rs 25,000. Nawa Adarsha Community Development Society had organised the tournament to mark the Teej festival.