LAHORE – The 46th edition of the National Men’s Volleyball Championship reached quarter-finals stage and WAPDA, Police, Railway Army, NAVY, PAF, Punjab, and KPK qualified for the last eight stage here on Sunday at WAPDA Sports Complex.
It was after 20 years that Railways made to the quarter-finals of the championship. From Pool A WAPDA and Railway have qualified. From Pool B Navy and KPK, from Pool C Army and Punjab and from Pool D PAF and Police have qualified. WAPDA beat Railway in straight sets 25-16, 25-16 and 25-20.
The defeat could not dent Railways’ chances because of their better position on points table. WAPDA hoping a final show down in the final, were too good against Railway with furry of attack and aggressive shooting in which Irfan Nawaz, Farooq Khan and Jawaid Ahmed played dominating role. PAF routed Police in four sets, 25-17, 18-25, 25-19, and 25-15 but both the teams have sailed to the next round being the group leaders.
PAF a galaxy of international players demonstrated higher level of volleyball with sizzling serves and rock like defence to outsmart Police. But PAF players were at their best and Muhammad Saqib Moon, Ramiz Khan and Muhammad Sayyed were their top players because of their agility and prowess. Mubashir Raza, Kashif Mansoor shone from Police.
Punjab gave tough fight to Army in the first two sets and Munir Ahmed and Tanveer were impressive. In the third set, Punjab players did not contribute their best and suffered defeat knowing that they were still through to the next round. The score was 3-0, 25-19, 25-17 and 25-12. NAVY beat KPK in straight sets, 25-16, 25-16 and 25-20.
In the last match having no effect on the seedings of the teams, Sindh beat Balochistan 3-0 25-15, 25-20, 25-17. AJK, FATA, HEC, Sindh and Balochistan were out of the competition. Quarter-finals schedule: WAPDA vs Punjab 1000hrs, Army vs Railway 1130, PAF VS KPK 1300 and Navy vs Police 1430.
