MARGAO
In a charged atmosphere both on the ground and the heavens, with intermittent lightning, the crowd was rooting for the defending champions Cuncolim Union. ONGC, who produced great volleyball in the tournament, again put up an superlative display and grabbed the first set 25-19. Subarao and Vinit Kumar with their powerful smashes were a treat to watch as the duo mesmerised with their smashes and intelligent drops.
ONGC fought hard and grabbed the second set 25-19. ONGC never took their foot off the accelerator and also won the third set. At the other end, Cuncolim Union -- who had shown lot of promise in their semi-final -- were short of expectations. Rohit tried his best but was subdued in the summit clash. Gurinder Singh of Punjab Police was declared as the Man of the tournament.
In the earlier match between the police teams in the third-place playoff, Haryana Police defeated their counterparts from Punjab 25- 23, 25-23, 25-19.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Elvis Gomes, welcomed the gathering. “It is the responsibility of the Goa Volleyball Association to lift the game in Goa. That none from the association is present is regrettable,” Gomes said. Gomes insisted that despite repeated invitations, Goan players did not join the Goan team.
The President of the Cuncolim Union Club Prakash Dessai revealed that next year, the organisers may invite women’s teams to participate in the tournament. He also lauded Gomes, whose organisational capabilities have earned the admiration
of fans.
